Property more expensive in university towns Published: 05/10/2008

More than half of university towns have average property prices higher than those in surrounding areas, according to a new report.

Figures from the Halifax University Town House Price review reveal that 35 out of 64 of the university towns in the UK have an average property price which is more than their neighbours'.

In Winchester, the average property price is a staggering £114,489 more than surrounding areas – representing a difference of around 50 per cent.

Manchester recorded an average property price rise of 63 per cent over the past five years – compared to 44 per cent elsewhere in the country.

Guildford was found to be the UK's most expensive university town with an average property price of £363,503.

Next in linen were Winchester and Bath with averages of £343,332 and £326,403 respectively.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax, said: "The majority of the university towns we have surveyed have an average house price higher than the average for their county.

"While it can be a good investment, the decision to buy a property for a son or daughter at university ultimately depends on the parents' personal circumstances and property prices around the university in question."

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