Lack of properties on the market is sending house prices in parts of Sussex rocketing, according to new figures.

The Halifax house price index for the second quarter of 2006 suggests last year's dip in the property market is well and truly in the past.

While Brighton has remained fairly steady in the last year with a three per cent increase, the market in other coastal areas has gone through the roof.

Seaford has seen a 12 per cent increase in the past 12 months with an average price now £215,166 and Bognor has leapt 15 per cent to a typical value of £196,834.

By far the biggest increase, according to the survey, has been in Hove.

It claims prices have jumped 21 per cent in the last year with an average now £235,330. Halifax said commuters were attracted by the coastal location with the closeness of London transport links.

Such increases were common during the Nineties' property boom but the market has slowed in the last two years and even dipped in 2005.

Tim Denning, chairman of East Sussex branch of the National Association of Estate Agents who works with J Wagstaff, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, said: "We're certainly very busy at the moment and I think that's down to sensible pricing keeping the market going.

"When homes are put on the market for the right amount they are selling.

"It's true a shortage of certain types of property are pushing values up, mainly flats and small houses.

"For some reason they are just not coming on the market in great numbers so when they do they are more valuable.

"Consumer confidence is steadily getting back into the market after a bad year."

Steve Goddard, chairman of the association's West Sussex branch and whose firm has branches in Haywards Heath, Heathfield and Steyning, said: "I think these figures are inflated and do not tally with my experience. The Hove figure seems way off the mark. When you have a boom in prices you inevitably have a bust sooner or later, which is no good at all.

We would sooner see steady increases which are good for both sellers and buyers and keeps the market constant."