House prices in East Sussex have risen by 17.5 per cent in the past year, according to latest Land Registry figures.

It means the average property in the county now costs £166,364, compared with £147,767 a year ago.

All regions of England and Wales saw double-digit price rises year-on-year, according to today's Land Registry report.

Across the South East, prices rose by 13.9 per cent on the previous year to an average of £168,111.

In West Sussex, average prices increased by 12.6 per cent while in Brighton and Hove they soared by 21.4 per cent.

It is putting pressure on professions such as nurses, council workers, and public service workers who want to live and work in Sussex but cannot afford to.

In East Sussex detached homes now cost £228,589 compared to £205,391 last year. Semi-detached cost £135,822 compared to £115,794 and terraced £112,481 compared to £94,266. Flats or maisonettes cost £82,975 compared to £61,340.

All figures are based on the last quarter from April to June 2002, compared with April to June 2001.

Alan Miller, partner at Tops Estate Agents in Gildredge Road, Eastbourne, said: "In some cases I have seen rises nearer to 20 per cent.

"I think what we've experienced in Eastbourne is a result of the situation, particularly in Brighton, where a lot of people now can't afford to live there.

"With the surge in prices there, people have tended to move out to more affordable areas. We've seen a similar situation in the London boroughs.

"I have spoken to agents in Newhaven and Peacehaven and they've also seen an upsurge in activity and prices, which has then worked its way along the coast.

"There are also a lot of people in Eastbourne who are looking to buy to let. First time buyers have all but disappeared. They are being squeezed out."

In West Sussex average house prices have increased from £166,364, compared with £147,767 a year ago.

In Brighton and Hove average house prices have soared from £132,001 to £160,185, up 21.4 per cent.

Nationally, the average price of a property is £133,247, up 13.5 per cent on a year ago.