HOUSE prices in Bury have risen by an average 7.4 per cent in a year prompting call for the building of more affordable and family homes..

The increase between May 2018 and May this year is well above the national average of one per cent and significantly more than the 4.2 per cent recorded over the previous 12 months.

It eclipses the increase in neighbouring Bolton of 2.5 per cent and in Lancashire of 1.4 per cent.

The statistics from the Land Registry show that the average cost of a home in Bury rose from £165,572 to £177,792 between May 2018 to May 2019

In Bolton the rise was from £130,374 average to £133,646 and in Lancashire from £141,670 to £143,663. The rise in Manchester was 5.2 per cent from £173,414 to £182,417.

Bury South’s Independent MP Ivan Lewis said: “In one way this is good news reflecting the borough's economic growth, especially if you own a home.

“But it also illustrates the problems young people have getting on the first rung of the housing ladder.

“We need more support in Bury to build affordable homes for young people and more financial support from the government for the council to build social housing so they can keep a roof over the heads and save up at the same time.”

Neil Chapman, director of Kingtons Estate Agents in Radcliffe, said: “The main reason is that there are simply not enough houses available, particularly family homes.

“People can buy terraces but when they look to move up to a family three-bedroomed home, there aren’t many. When one comes on the market you get eight or nine people bidding for them and they go for above the market price. We need more family three-bedroomed homes building in Bury borough.”

Bury North Labour MP James Frith said: "These figures are not the full picture. They're good news for property owners but not for those in private rented accommodation or living at home.

"We need more done for first-time buyers in terms of new homes and lending."