BUYERS had to fork out tens of thousands of pounds more for homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole last year, according to new figures which also reveal the most expensive neighbourhoods in the area.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which prevented house sales during the first lockdown, coupled with stamp duty holidays, has boosted the housing market across the UK since the world opened back up in 2020.

Office for National Statistics data shows the median house price hit £325,000 in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the year to June – an increase of £45,000 compared to the previous 12 months.

House prices were also above pre-pandemic levels, with the average standing at £280,000 in the year to June 2019.

The median – the middle number in a series – is used to ensure the figures are not skewed by extreme highs or lows.

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These neighbourhoods in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recorded the highest median house prices in the year to June:

- Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks: £588,000 – up from £505,000 in 2019-20

- Talbot and Branksome Woods: £548,000 – up from £488,000

- Parkstone: £485,000 – an increase from £395,000

- East Southbourne and Hengistbury Head: £480,000 – rising from £384,000

- Mudeford: £475,000 – up from £425,000

By contrast, the area recording the lowest average house price was Boscombe West, where homes sold for around £175,000 in 2020-21.

The figures also show the number of homes sold in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole rose year-on-year, from 6,047 to 7,324.

The largest proportion were in Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks, where 388 homes changed hands in the period.

Martin Beck, chief economic adviser of economic forecasting group EY Item Club, said while Government measures such as the stamp duty holiday brought forward house purchases last year, the market could be set to change.

He said: “The prospect of a series of interest rate rises by the Bank of England in 2022 will translate into higher mortgage rates.

“And cost of living pressures faced by households from rising inflation and taxes mean fewer people will be able to afford to borrow the necessary amount they need to buy at higher mortgage rates.”

Nicky Stevenson, managing director at estate agent group Fine & Country, said with most agents still struggling to find enough homes to meet demand, the financial pressures were unlikely to have a “significant” impact on the market.