North Essex residents are being reassured national tales of looming problems in the housing market will not affect them.

Nationwide released statistics showing average house prices in the UK had leapt 11.1 per cent in just 12 months. 

Experts said such rises were unsustainble and could lead to another financial crisis. 

But Colchester experts say such fears are unfounded, with the market remaining much more stable.

They estimate price rises are about 4 per cent. 

Perry Rose, branch manager at Haart, said: "The Colchester market is moving, its strong, there are a lot of buyers, a lot of first time buyers and a lot of investors.

"The market is definitely strong, I don't feel there is a housing bubble in Colchester, I find it is steady."