HAMPSHIRE house prices have hit a three-year high according to a survey released today.

But the Southampton house market has seen little change, according to estate agents.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors is reporting prices in the South East are at the highest levels since November 2009.

Sales levels are also up, with a rise in newly agreed sales for the fifth consecutive month and surveyors predicting more to come.

Brian Dawkins, director of Field Palmer estate agents in Bitterne, Southampton, said the market was improving but price rises were “marginal”.

He said: “There are particular roads in Southampton that people want to live in and can cause a frenzy. But generally, if you are looking at a terrace house in Shirley or Sholing then there is little change because there is more for people to choose from.

“But somewhere like Chatsworth Road in Bitterne is a very popular spot and is where you get the biggest rises. We just sold a house there for over £280,000, which is £10-£15,000 more than in 2009, but something similar to 2007 when the market peaked last.

“I’m not saying we have a booming property market but we are definitely seeing growing numbers of buyers and that’s a good sign that things are looking up.”

But Christopher Grier, owner of Brantons estate agents in Totton, said prices across the town would only have risen by about one per cent.

The average price for a family home is around £220,000 and Mr Grier said that figure has not really changed.

He said: “We are talking such small margins. I would say we are in the exact same market as 2010 and I don’t think there’s anywhere in Totton that’s experienced a big jump.”

Earlier this year it was revealed Southampton had seen some of the smallest house price increases in the country over the last ten years.

Figures released in January showed the cost of a home in the city had risen by an average of just 16 per cent since 2002 – up from £160,266 to £186,621.

However, the RICS said Government Help to Buy and Funding for Lending schemes were prompting more activity from first-time buyers.

Spokesman Robbin Goddard said: “Market performance now hinges on the supply chain recovering. At which point, the outlook for the South East ought to remain positive, as it remains an area in high demand.”