Estate agents say a shortage in supply is continuing to drive house prices up in Burnham and sales.

Property analysts Hometrack said the rise for the CM9, area, which includes Maldon, Tollesbury, Tolleshunt D’Arcy and Tolleshunt Knights, was 4.2 per cent last year.

The figure for the CM0 area, which includes Southminster, Burnham, Bradwell, Dengie and Asheldham was 4.9 per cent, while the CM3 area, including Purleigh, North Fambridge, Cold Norton, Maylandsea and South Woodham Ferrers, saw a rise of 5.9 per cent.

The national average rise was 4.4 per cent.