House prices in West Sussex have risen by 12.6 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 East Sussex average prices increased by 17.5 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 West Sussex, detached houses now cost £262,772 compared with £236,422 a year ago. Semi-detached cost £154,732 compared with £136,745 and terraced cost £128,754, up from £111,320. Flats or maisonettes cost £97,791 compared with 79,159.

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

Michael Jones, senior partner of Michael Jones and Company estate agents in Chatsworth Road, Worthing, said: "I think property prices went up fairly dramatically at the beginning of the year, but people are getting more cautious now because of all the news of house prices rocketing.

"I think the market is going to get steadier and now's not a bad time to buy.

"The nationwide trend of house prices going up is fuelled by interest rates. People think they had better get a mortgage while it's affordable.

"There is a lot of interest being shown in Brighton by people from south London and then they move along the coast to Worthing because they can cash in more there and get better value for their money.

"The demographics of Worthing have changed quite a lot. There are lots of trendy restaurants and pubs now.

"We have sold half of a block of flats which haven't even been built but are still in the plan stage. That's unprecedented in Worthing."

In East Sussex average house prices have risen from £122,096 to £143,445, up 17.5 per cent.

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

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

Detached homes cost £288,995 compared with £213,612 last year. Semi-detached cost £184,178 compared with £151,553 and terraced cost £183,994 compared with £155,635. Flats or maisonettes cost £123,181 compared with £100,051.

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