When it comes to beach huts, the most "des res" addresses are not in fashionable Brighton and Hove but far-flung Ferring.

The bijou sea-view sheds in the west of the county are snapped up for more than £7,000 while those with a city address fetch a mere £4,000.

There are reports one hut in Angmering has been sold for a staggering £9,500. The trend turns the usual property price rule on its head.

Despite their basic appearance and facilities, beach huts have long been a favourite with the English.

Sales, which were once secured through adverts in newsagents' and post office windows, are now handled by estate agents. Many sell within hours.

Jean Saunders of Oliver & Saunders in Ferring, said: "We have been getting fantastic prices for beach huts, selling for £7,250 in Ferring and Worthing. But, even though Hove and Brighton are much more expensive areas to buy property, the beach huts go more cheaply. We have just sold one near the Babylon Lounge in Hove for the asking price of £4,000."

Hut number 76 in Marine Crescent, Goring, has just sold for £7,250 after a bidding war.

Jean said: "The hut went on for £6,000 and as soon as the board went up, three people began bidding for it."

Families, singles and sometimes groups of friends are happy to shell out for their own beach-front property, however tiny.

Jean said: "You are not so much paying for the wooden hut as the privilege of having a spot right on the beach."

Splashing out several thousand pounds buys owners a wooden hut, typically measuring 8ft by 6ft and with no gas or electricity.

However, buying a beach hut is considerably easier than buying a house.

Jean said: "It's a quick and easy deal. You don't need a solicitor and the sale can go through within a week."

She said Goring was proving particularly popular because of its open, unspoilt setting.

Beach huts are also available to rent for those who are prepared to wait.

Worthing Borough Council has a two-year waiting list.

Eastbourne also has a lengthy waiting list. Their brick-built beach huts, which come with gas hob and water supply, cost £1,957 per year for residents and £2,200 a year for non residents.

Despite the rising tide of prices, Sussex still has a long way to go to catch up with other areas.

Last year a chalet at Chesil Beach, Dorset, was sold for £120,000, while in Whitstable a buyer shelled out £144,000 for a large beach hut.

Oliver & Saunders has set up its own web site at www.beachhutsuk.com