Property prices in Sussex are no longer rising but demand for country homes is still high.

Although there is no evidence of a market crash on the horizon, Strutt & Parker said people simply would not pay over the odds for overpriced houses.

Tim Page-Ratcliff at the Lewes office said: "The market is static and is being held back by a shortage of supply.

"The very best and most attractive homes, particularly in the county's handsome market towns and picturesque villages, are still finding buyers.

"We just wish we had more of them to offer prospective buyers." He said values in Sussex in the first and second quarters of the year were almost completely flat, with a small percentage drop in the middle of the market.

A three-bedroom house in or near an attractive village is now worth £450,000.

A five-bedroom family house with garden will cost around £900,000 while a large period property set in 15 to 20 acres will sell for around £2,750,000.

Tuesday August 17, 2004