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Studies show a 50% property price rise in university towns

Jude Buttle

Since 2003, more than a third of university towns have experienced at least a 50% rise in property prices, according to recent research.

According to Halifax, the three biggest house-price rises during the past five years occurred in the university towns of Bangor in Wales (100%), Dundee in Scotland (101%) and Belfast in Northern Ireland (105%).

Nitesh Patel, economist at Halifax, said: "Over a third of the university towns in this review experienced average house price growth of over 50% in the last five years.

"While it can be a good investment, the decision to buy a property for a son or daughter at university ultimately depends on the parents personal circumstances."

London is the most expensive place in the country for student lettings - with average rent costing £103 a month, according to figures from the Press Association.