If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Eastbourne, or investing in buy to let homes, now is potentially a good time, as house prices are on the rise. The location is attracting more attention than ever.

Sellers are enjoying great returns as properties are selling around or above their valuation. Buyers on the other hand are banking on continued rises in asking prices.

Data released in March 2015 showed that the average asking price for homes in the area has risen by up to 14 per cent in comparison to prices in 2013. Prices went from £359,109 average in 2013 to £315,286 this year.

The data showed that terrace houses in the area went up from £291,038 to £309,883 on average, a rise of 6 per cent.

The asking price of flats on the other hand went from £185,893 to £200,829, a rise of 8 per cent.

The average asking price for a semi-detached home jumped ten per cent on average to go from £286,067 to £313,920. Three bed properties showed the biggest leap in average price increase as they went from an average asking price of £283,686 to £317,272.

Overall however, detached properties have shown the best overall performance. They went from £487,363 in 2014 to £562,509 in 2015, a 15 per cent rise. The increase in price for detached properties has been largely attributed to a drop in supply.  In comparison to the past couple of years, there has been a 22% reduction in the number of detached homes available in the market.

House prices have continued to rise as a result of low interest rates, improved credit availability as well as rising consumer confidence. Consumer confidence is being fuelled by the positive gains that have been made in the employment sector over the past few quarters, and an inherent belief in the value of property.

Similarly, the fact that housing completions are still well below their pre-crisis level has equally led to rising prices. Interestingly, pre-crisis level housing completions were even deemed insufficient to keep pace with demand.  All of these factors point to a housing market that could continue to soar well into the foreseeable future.

Eastbourne is an idyllic seaside town that is a hub for short breaks and holidays. However, in the past few years, more families have been moving to the location on a permanent basis thanks to the clean environment and exceptional schools.  The laid back and family friendly lifestyle on offer here means it will be a property hotbed for a long time.

With more landlords getting involved in the market there are going to be more rental opportunities too.