House prices look set to boom in Basildon and Thurrock after they were identified as hotspots for investors.

Influential property consultants Hometrack has highlighted the two areas - alongside nine other local authorities across the country - as likely to produce the best returns for buy-to-let investors.

The firm's report estimates demand for high-quality rented accommodation is likely to soar in Basildon and Thurrock in the next few years because of their close proximity to London, which is expected to attract an influx of young professionals.

This is likely to make the area attractive to buy-to-let investors, which will, in turn, force up property prices.

Gary Sullivan, chairman of Thames Gateway, said: "I think this indicates people are increasingly viewing Basildon and Thurrock as nice places to live.

"They are becoming more and more attractive to young professionals who work in London. This is also because of all the extra jobs which are being created locally. These are exciting times."

"House prices increased by 203 per cent work in London.

"This is also because of all the extra jobs which are being created locally. These are exciting times."

House prices increased by 203 per cent in Southend between 1996 and 2006, which is thought to be partly the result of massive buy-to-let investment, fuelled by demand for rented accommodation from the expanding immigrant and student communities.

Basildon enjoyed a 139 per cent increase over the same period.

But while Halifax figures showed house prices falling by 2 per cent in Southend in the past 12 months, Basildon enjoyed a 4 per cent increase during the same time.

Richard Frost, from Kingswood Estate Agents, in Basildon, said: "We are expecting thousands of new jobs to be created through Thames Gateway, which means even more people will want to live here.

"Although lots of new homes are being built, demand is going to outstrip supply. This makes it an attractive place for buyers who want to rent out their properties. I can only see house prices continuing to rise."

Russell Quirk, from Quirk Deakin estate agents, in Basildon, said: "Basildon and Thurrock are fast becoming commercial centres which employ thousands of people. The extra employees need somewhere to live.

"We also have a huge number of City workers who want to live in the area as it's only half hour from London."