The leader of Dartford Council has stressed the need to provide affordable housing in the borough after house prices jumped by more than three per cent.

Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows the average property price in the area spiked by 3.5 per cent in June, with an overall rise of 4.4 per cent over the past year.

The increase in Dartford is more than double the increase in neighbouring Bexley for the same period, where rates grew by 1.2 per cent.

Cllr Jeremy Kite told News Shopper the increase was most likely as a result of Dartford offering "a different kind of lifestyle" to outer London boroughs.

He added Dartford is a more attractive location for people to live in because "they can see a real future here."

However, although he admitted rising house prices were a "good thing," it is only positive news for people who are already homeowners.

Cllr Kite said there is a real need to focus on affordable housing in the area for people who have always lived in Dartford to get onto the property ladder.

"There are always winners and losers. For every house that goes up by a pound, that's one less person who can afford it."

Eamonn Delaney, managing director at Anthony James Estate Agents, said there was a "strong commuter belt" in Dartford, which makes it attractive to buyers.

With three train lines into London and access to the M25, its location helps to boost its popularity as a commuter town.

"Those two things are unique to Dartford only," Me Delaney told News Shopper.

From his experience, one of the main reasons people look to move to Dartford is for its grammar schools.

"People are willing to sacrifice size, travel, lots of things. But never their children's education.

"It is the single biggest reason people want to move here, which far outweighs everything else."

Mr Delaney added the June price spike is also likely to be influenced by people looking to move to Dartford in time for the 11+ exams in September, which are the gateway to grammar schools in the area.