BUOYANT house prices in the capital are helping to raise the value of property across south Essex after the Brexit vote, according to experts.

Estate agents told the Echo they have seen increasing numbers of buyers pay above the asking price as the area becomes an attractive option for families moving out of London’s outskirts.

While Southend and Leigh are regularly named among the best places in the country to live due to good transport links and ongoing investment, parts of Rochford and Castle Point are also on the up.

Colin MacLean, from Amos Estates, in Rayleigh, said: “I think our market is fuelled by what is happening in Hornchurch, Upminster and Romford.

“Traditionally people from our area used to move to places such as Suffolk and Norfolk. What we are seeing is the same, but in terms of Londoners moving here to places such as Rayleigh, Hockley, Rochford, and Basildon - all very good commuter towns.”

John Pring, director of Fisks, in Benfleet, said the town has experienced a surge of interest from buyers - adding that price hikes have “reached the ceiling”.

He said: “We have seen buyers pay significantly above the asking price, just to secure a property. Both Canvey and Benfleet have proved very popular.

“I think with the winter arriving, we’ll start to see the market flatten out.”

According to Essex-based Balgores, the average property in the county has gone up by 17 per cent in a year.

Basildon experienced a ten per cent rise - with the average three-bedroom house now worth £273,900.

In the summer, property website Zoopla revealed Southend house prices had increased by six per cent in a year - making both areas among the most affordable.

Martin Gibbon, group director of Balgores, which has an office in Basildon, said the outcome of June’s referendum has had little impact on house prices.