Almost a third of Kent's most expensive homes are snapped-up by overseas buyers, according to estate agents.

Overseas business people now represent 30% of clients looking to buy up the county's most prestigious addresses says Edward Rook, partner at Knight Frank.

"There are lots of overseas families from China and Russia, and there has been an increase in the last few years," said Mr Rook.

Scroll down for Kent's top ten most expensive properties

"Kent is the next step out of London, and they are looking for more space, perhaps for a family."

West Kent hot spots such as Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks are particular favourites, thanks to their proximity to London, but the high speed line could be spreading the wealth further east, according to Will Peppitt, director of the country department at Savilles.

"The schools in Sevenoaks have an international reputation, and an international following. Families move here from overseas just for the schooling" - Edward Rook, Knight Frank

He said: "The train journey to London is quick and easy and within half an hour of the city you can be relaxing in the Garden of England.

"Whilst prices are led by journey time to London – thus why West Kent has historically been dearer than east – the new High Speed Link from St Pancras to Ashford means that it’s as quick to get to the West End from Ashford as it is from Sevenoaks.

"There is the added advantage of also being able to go east from Ashford to Paris in two hours."

But it's not just the connections that are attracting the oligarchs.

Mr Rook said: "The schools in Sevenoaks have an international reputation, and an international following. Families move here from overseas just for the schooling.

"It's party because several teach the International Baccalaureate, and here the families get a bit more space - the pool, the tennis courts - while retaining good connections with London.

This is echoed by Mr Peppitt:"There are some amazing schools and not just the great private schools like Tonbridge, Kings Canterbury and Ashford. Kent has the benefit of retaining the grammar school system too, so you have the best of both worlds."

Despite a few fluctuations, the upper end of the property market in Kent is very healthy.

Data from the Land Registry shows the number of sales of properties valued at more than £1 million have been on the rise since a dip in 2012.

Mr Rook said: "Kent hasn't seen the price increases London has seen but it's been very resilient.

"If there's any wobble in the city, this end of the market in Kent feels it very quickly, but then it bounces back very quickly as well."

Kent's ten most expensive properties

Have you four or five million burning a hole in your pocket? No, we haven't either, but just in case your numbers come up, here are Kent's ten most expensive homes.

Bluebell Farm, Seal - £5,950,000

For millionaires in need of a lot of space, Bluebell Farm is a good place to start. As well as the multiple bedrooms and bathrooms one would expect, it comes with its own leisure complex, tennis court and the ability to get lost in your own garden - an impressive 148 acres.

Fawkham Manor Farm, Fawkham - £4,950,000

Compared to Bluebell Farm the grounds are a positively cramped 30 acres, but this is a five-bedroom family house with plenty to keep the children occupied. It has its own pool, sauna, wetroom and games room, as well as a bar for the grown-ups.

Fairseat House, Fairseat - Price on application, but at least £4.5 million

It's not clear exactly how much this house is on the market for, but if you have a lot of friends you had better start saving. It has eight bedrooms, a leisure complex with a pool, a garage for five cars and an orangery.

Hildenbrook Farm, Hildenborough - £4,500,000

A beautiful example of Arts and Crafts architecture, this smart, grade II listed house boasts seven bedrooms and ten acres of land, including a paddock, and a bluebell wood. It may not have a leisure complex, but it does have a 'natural swimming pool' in the extensive grounds.

Perreys, Tunbridge Wells - £4,000,000

It may not have a pool, but £4,000,000 buys you one of the largest homes on the exclusive Camden Park estate, a gated village built around 70 acres of parkland. You do have to share said parkland with other people who live in Camden Park though.

Homefield House, Knockholt - £4,000,000

This is another one for those who like to entertain, or alternatively, need somewhere for the staff to sleep. A proper manor house, Homefield has ten bedrooms, a pool, and will allow you to pretend you're in an episode of Downton Abbey.

Rushmore Hill House, Knockholt - £3,995,000

Just 18 miles from central London, Rushmore Hill House has both an indoor and an outdoor pool, as well as a squash court. You'll be pleased to know there are extra buildings for the staff, a snooker room, and a lake.

The Manor House, Fawkham - £3,950,000

With three cottages in addition to the main house, all set in 13 acres, The Manor House has plenty of space for children, staff, hounds, a helipad or anything else really. And it's just 18 miles from Canary Wharf. It also has a pool and tennis court.

Woodland Rise, Sevenoaks - £3,850,000

Compared to some of the others on this list, this may look a bit more like a normal family house, but don't be deceived. It's got all the mod cons, by which we mean things like a built-in sound system, room-specific climate controls, and a cinema.

The Mill House, Stowting - £3,750,000

This may be the least-expensive property on the list, but it does have a manege - which is apparently French for riding school. An intriguing mix of old and new, it's an 18th century mill house with a contemporary glass extension, boasting a pool, tennis court, cinema, and five bedrooms.

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