The average value of homes in areas of Hertfordshire fell during 2018 with certain properties down by 4.5 per cent, according to a report.

Property company Zoopla looked at house price performances in Britain last year and found the average property value in the East of England had fallen by 0.50 per cent to £357,952.

And when it looked at the top ten towns for weakest property price growth, the company said the average value in Bushey had fallen by 4.57 per cent to £595,179.

This despite the value of Britain’s homes going up in 2018, generally, adding around £2,860 to the average price.

Property values in London however dipped by 1.67 per cent during the same period.

Insight director at Zoopla, Richard Donnell, said: “Values in London have grown significantly since 2010 but multiple tax changes and affordability pressures are resulting in values falling back.”

Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Cllr Sara Bedford, added: “Whilst house prices are slowly falling, buying a home in South West Herts is still out of reach for many local residents and their children.  

"That’s why I’m pushing for future housing sites in Three Rivers to include a majority of two and three-bedroomed houses for sale, shared ownership and social rent. 

“It’s really important that those who are part of the local community should be able to stay here if they wish.”