THE AVERAGE price of a three-bedroom, semi - detached home in Chelmsford has jumped by 35 per cent since last year.

A study has found average prices in the city are up fro m £216,250 in May 2014 to £292,500 this year –ajump of £76,250.

Matt Baldock, director of estate agent Charles David Casson Estates, based in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, agrees prices for family homes ar e soaring in the city .

He said: “As a whole, we are seeing prices rising, but it’s the family homes that are in particular demand, and when demand outweighs supply, prices increase .

“Chelmsford is attractive fo r families as there are good schools and close transpor t links, but although there are lots of apartments in the city being built, there are not a hug e deal of family homes .

“I personally love this city .

I’ve lived here all my life , although now we are a city we don’t have the infrastructure, although that is starting to come .

“There has most definitel y been an increase in prices since last year, and we are seeing a big rise in demand in Springfield in particular, perhaps because of the new train station being built.”

Martin Gibbon, a director of Balgores Property Group , which conducted the price study, added: “Home buyers ar e attracted to Chelmsford because it offers professional couples and families affordable property, one of the best shopping centres in Essex, international restaurants, cafes and wine bars, the county’s historic 15th Century cathedral, good schools and great transport into central London.”