A nationwide leap in house prices in the New Year has bypassed most of Sussex, according to figures released today.

Although prices in Brighton and Hove rose slightly, the overall picture showed the market was levelling off across the county.

While property values in the UK shot up by an average of £2,048 in the first week of 2006, prices dropped in East Sussex and remained virtually unchanged in West Sussex.

Rightmove measured 93,000 asking prices for homes put on sale by estate agents from December 4 to January 7 and advertised on Rightmove.co.uk The average price in East Sussex slid from £242,244 to £239,610 and increased in West Sussex from £242,714 to £242,855.

In Brighton and Hove the average asking price increased from £247,626 in December to £248,781.

During the last year, asking prices in East Sussex have increased by 2.9 per cent and in West Sussex by 4.7 per cent.

But Sussex estate agents say the news does not signal a slump in the market but instead indicates more realistic pricing by sellers.

Chris Oakley, president of the Brighton and Hove Estate Agents' Association, said: "We should take these figures with a pinch of salt because the property market is effectively closed. People don't buy or sell homes at Christmas.

"Nonetheless, we are seeing a rejuvenated market.

"Vendors are being more realistic about property values which is making buyers more confident.

"We are not seeing massive growth. It is steady, which is good for buyers and sellers."

Mr Oakley said the average price of a three-bedroom house in the city was £250,000 to £300,000 and a two-bedroom flat was £180,000 to £200,000.

Robert Turner, manager of Marcus Grimes estate agents in Haywards Heath, said: "We have not seen big increases in the last week but the forecasts are good and I am expecting things to start moving in the next few weeks.

"The doom and gloom predicted 18 months ago did not materialise.

"We had a lull for a few months but realistically-priced properties are selling.

"If anything there is a shortage of housing stock on the market."

Richard Heppenstall, Worthing town centre branch manager at Michael Jones estate agents, said: "House prices are levelling and any increases are quite modest.

"From last June the market has been strong.

"If houses come on at the right price, they sell. If they are too high, they don't."

Nick Stride, of Stride and Son, Chichester, said: "Last year we saw a bit of a drop and it is now steadying.

"I expect we will see rises in line with inflation, which will mean a good market.

"Booms do not do anyone any good in the long run."

Graham Kendall, of Interactive Estates, Eastbourne, said: "I'm wary of such surveys.

"We are not seeing any major increase and I do not expect to but that does not mean business is bad.

"Last year was a buyer's year, this year things are going to be more level, which is fairer on everyone."

Ben Knight, of Rush, Witt and Wilson estate agents, which has offices in Hastings, Bexhill, Rye and Battle, said: "We're not seeing major increases but we have been busy this month after a quiet November and December.

"The market is all about prices and buyers will not pay over the odds."