Market towns more pricey

Three in four market towns have higher property prices than their county average, new research has shown.

Halifax found that the typical house in 73% of English market towns was higher than that of other towns in its county. Colin Kemp, managing director of Halifax Estate Agents, said: "Homebuyers continue to be attracted to the high quality of life offered by market towns and are prepared to pay a premium to live there".

Nine of the 10 most expensive market towns are located in the South East or South West, with only Bakewell in Derbyshire breaking the South's dominance. Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire was found to be the priciest market town with a typical house costing £574,211.