HOUSE prices in the Medway area have risen by more than 15 per cent, the biggest increase in 10 years, figures revealed today.

In some parts of the area, prices have surged ahead by more than 20 per cent.

Nationally, prices increased by a massive 3.4 per cent during April, the biggest since it started monitoring monthly rises in 1991.

One Medway couple who were first time buyers five years ago, have doubled the money on their house. Paul and Justine Graham, from Wayfield, Chatham, bought their first house together back in 1997.

Mr Graham said: "We have been very happy here because the house is on a fairly new estate and the only reason we are moving is because of family. We put the house on the market in mid-April and on the first day, someone made us an offer, but we had to reject it.

"But two days later some first time buyers made us an offer and we accepted." The couple, who are celebrating the birth of their first child, Georgia, are moving to Greenacres in Aylesford.

Mr Graham added: "We couldn't believe things happened so quickly and we were amazed the house sold for more than double what we paid."

In Rainham, the average costs for flats, semi-detached and detached houses have risen by £35,000 in some cases. A spokesman for Regal Estates in High Street, Rainham, said: "This time last year I sold a four-bedroom detached house in Otterham Quay Lane, Rainham for £195,000. This week I sold the same style house, in the same location, for £230,000."

In Rainham, where prices are slightly higher than in Chatham, Gillingham and Strood, a one-bedroom flat can cost around £70,000.

A two-bedroom house can cost between £90,000 and £100,000, but a four-bedroom detached costs more than £200,000.

Sandra East, a partner at Greyfox Estate Agents in Walderslade Village Centre, said first-time buyers should not give up hope.

She explained: "It is better for people to buy houses in areas where prices aren't so high, for example in Chatham and Luton, because at least then they have their foot on the property ladder.

"We have seen house prices rise by 22 per-cent in the last year which is fantastic.

ÒBut a lot of people from outside are moving in. For example, last year 42 per cent of house-buyers were from outside Medway, which pushes prices up even further."