House prices increased 1.75 per cent in the last month in a mini property boom in Sussex, according to new figures.

West Sussex saw the biggest jump in the five weeks to June 10 with values increasing by two per cent, while in East Sussex asking prices gained 1.7 per cent.

Prices in Brighton and Hove went up 1.5 per cent in the same period.

All three areas performed better than the South-East's average 1.3 per cent rise.

They also bettered the annual national growth rate of 6.4 per cent, with prices in East Sussex jumping 7.1 per cent, West Sussex 6.9 per cent and Brighton and Hove 9.2 per cent in the last 12 months.

Tim Denning, East Sussex chairman of the National Association of Estate Agents, who works with J Wagstaff of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, said: "Certain high-demand properties are going on the market and fetching higher prices than perhaps they should.

"Properties under £200,000 are red hot. Not many are coming on the market and those that do sell for good prices so that is pushing the figure up.

"For the higher priced properties the market is strong but stable and we are not seeing considerable increases and, overall, I would certainly not say we were booming.

"It is good for buyers because they can buy at fair prices and good for sellers because they are not rushing into panic selling."

Steve Goddard, chairman of the West Sussex branch of the National Association of Estate Agents, said: "Undoubtedly things have been looking up since last September and values have gone up so we are cautiously optimistic.

"It's still not as busy as it should be at this time of year but a whole lot better than 12 months ago.

"I'm cautious of surveys that just look at asking prices because what matters is actual sales."

The figures, from online estate agent Rightmove, show the average asking price for a home in East Sussex is now £260,648, in West Sussex £257,894 and in Brighton and Hove £262,715.