Homeowners in Whitstable will keep selling up and moving to Herne Bay even if prices in the town continue to rise, property experts say.

New statistics released by the Halifax bank show the average house price in the Bay cost £187,014 in 2007 compared to £269,601 this year.

But estate agents think buyers will continue to switch to the town as it has an attractive “raw” feel.

Kieron Whiting, sales manager at Kent Estate Agencies, says buyers have been clamouring for a slice of the market.

“Even though the prices in Herne Bay have increased a lot, people get a lot more property for their money there,” he said.

“A lot of people are fed-up with how busy Whitstable has become at weekends and have been looking at Herne Bay instead.

“Only five years ago, that wasn’t happening and there was a snobby factor about people moving to Herne Bay which I found frustrating.

“At the moment, if people are selling a three-bedroom detached house in Whitstable and want a four-bed, they can’t afford to do it and move to Herne Bay.”

The Halifax figures show the average house price in Herne Bay has increased by 44% in the last decade.

In Whitstable, buyers have seen a 59% jump from £217,994 to £347,680 - but many average family homes are going on the market for much more.

Mr Whiting, who has worked as a sales manager for eight years, says political uncertainty following the general election result will not hurt the market.

He said: “We are in our own little micro-market here and, despite the uncertainty, Whitstable and Herne Bay in particular will be absolutely fine.

“I think there is still a market for that raw seaside town and Herne Bay is still rather untouched, whereas Whitstable is very arty.

“There is a lot more variety in Herne Bay, a lot of different architecture and Victorian and Edwardian houses are very popular with people.

“I am confident people will continue to move from Whitstable to Herne Bay."