A tiny Kent suburb is emerging as one of the UK’s latest property hotspots, according to new data.

Kearsney in Dover has topped a list of places in the country that have seen the biggest rise in people registering to buy a house in the past year.

Research by estate agents Hamptons shows a 77% annual increase in people applying to purchase a property there.

Hamptons’ head of research Aneisha Beveridge compiled the data based on the company’s network of branches. She believes that the affordability of Kearsney – which has an average house price of £321,460 – is the reason for its popularity.

“That is what’s at the heart of this,” she said.

“There are only five areas on the list where the average price exceeded £400,000, and typically, these are the more affordable pockets of London and the South East.

“Generally, it’s the more expensive markets that have been hit hardest by the move to higher rates.

“This is because households in these areas tend to have bigger mortgages and are therefore more exposed to higher rates.”

Kearsney is a small suburb near the village of River, just outside Dover.

Despite its size, it has its own railway station, which is likely to attract prospective buyers – as are nearby beauty spots Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens.

Located on either side of the Alkham Valley Road, the parks are home to children’s play areas, two ornamental lakes and a tea room.

Across the country overall, there were 12% fewer people registering to buy properties between January to November 2023 compared to the same period last year.

But some places, including Kearsney, are bucking the trend.

Second on Hamptons’ list is Airdrie in Scotland with a 72% rise.

East Ham, London, was third with 71% and Baillieston – a suburb of Glasgow – was fourth.

Thanks to their popularity, these areas have seen the average house price rise too.

In Kearsney, the price of a house rose by 4.7% when compared to 2022, up to £321,460.

This is cheaper than in neighbouring River and Temple Ewell, where average house prices are £350,000 and £385,000 respectively, according to Rightmove.

Ms Beveridge added: “During the first nine months of the year the average price of a home in Great Britain rose 1.9% according to the ONS House Price Index.

“However, the top 30 locations have seen 50% more price growth, with prices rising by an average of 3% year-on-year.”