Bexley has the highest demand for housing of any area in the country, according to new figures.

It is also the only borough in London to show an increase in demand between September and December last year.

Housing demand is measured by the percentage of flats and houses currently on the market which are listed as sold.

eMoov's Property Hotspots survey found that in December, 71 per cent of Bexley homes were listed as sold, up from 68 per cent in the previous quarter.

eMoov PR and Content Executive James Lockett, who collates data for the survey, said: "Bexley's the number one site since we started the hotspots a year ago.

"It has always come out number one in terms of demand percentage."

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eMoov's James Lockett

Mr Lockett added: "There is still plenty of supply in Bexley, but properties do not stay on the market very long.

"People need to act quickly, have a deposit and a mortgage. Be ready to act, that's the best way to arm yourself."

Housing demand has dropped by 8 per cent since February throughout the UK, and London demand has dropped by 28 per cent.

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With the trend of Londoners moving out of the city to find more affordable housing, once popular boroughs such as Westminster are lacking in demand.

Westminster was the borough with the biggest fall in demand - 42 per cent between February and December last year.

Mr Lockett added: "People are starting to realise that central London prices are becoming rather ridiculous."

In South East London, Bromley’s demand reduced by 13 per cent and Lewisham’s by 27 per cent since last February.

Mr Lockett believes Bexley appeals to people because of the borough's recent regeneration, ease of travel and green spaces.

Mr Lockett says there is a danger that an increase in demand could push house prices up, but only if there are not enough new properties available.

Mr Lockett added: "When there becomes a shortage of property, that's when prices increase.

"It's when supply goes down."

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eMoov founder and CEO Russell Quirk

eMoov founder and CEO Russell Quirk said: “People are starting to sacrifice the London lifestyle and opt for areas further out to commuter zones.

"But who can blame them with the advancements in transport making the commute to London a darn site easier.”

After Bexley - Reading, Sutton, Watford and Guildford were the four most popular destinations, with housing demand of between 67 and 63 per cent.