New research by HouseSimple.com has identified Southend-on-Sea as the UK's top property hotspot in the 21st century, excluding London boroughs. Average property prices have increased 287.1% since January 2000, faster than in any other town or city in the same period outside London. Leading five star developer, Bellway, has an established development, Ekco Park, in this desirable Essex coastal town. There are just two three bedroom houses left to purchase, and a recently launched selection of one and two bedroom apartments, perfect for first-time buyers and investors.

Prospective buyers looking for their dream apartment have a choice between a range of styles, to ensure that it really is suited to them. All of the apartments include video door entry systems and open-plan kitchen, living, dining areas finished to a high standard, Bellway is offering a ready-made dream home. Features include integrated gas hobs with glass splashbacks, chrome-finish brassware and choice tiling to bathroom walls – small, but important details. Those who are interested in a two-bedroom apartment will benefit from an en-suite in addition to the modern family bathroom.

Kate Mills, Sales Manager at Bellway Essex comments: “Seaside locations are popular, and known to be beneficial for your health. This recent research highlights even more what an attractive prospect Southend-on-Sea is for buyers. With the current attention and investment in the area, and the low entry price point at Ekco Park, we encourage potential buyers visit us soon.”

Residents of the development, on the edge of the popular 45-acre Priory Park, will be able to enjoy the very best of inland amenities, while being just 10 minutes' drive from strolling on the promenade and having access to the world's longest leisure pier. For keen shoppers, the town boasts two large shopping malls, the Victoria Shopping Centre and The Royals Shopping Centre, with a wide mix of chain stores and independent boutiques. For bargain-hunters, a weekly market and a twice monthly farmer's market also take place on the High Street, offering lots of fresh produce and gifts. The town centre also has a great selection of restaurants, wine bars and pubs for those looking for a night out.

Ideal for families, there is a wide selection of state and independent schools for children of all ages within close proximity of the development. Earls Hall Infant and Junior are less than one mile from Ekco Park. The town is home to an excellent selection of grammar schools, including Southend High

School for Boys and Southend High School for Girls. South Essex College of Further and Higher Education is also based in Southend-on-Sea, which offers education to students over the age of 16.

Prittlewell Station is a ten-minute walk away from the development and provides frequent services to Southend Victoria in just four minutes, running up to four times an hour. Direct trains leave up to six times an hour from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street, taking under an hour.  Southend Airport is five minutes away by car or train for international travel.

Prices at Ekco Park start from £199,995 for a one-bedroom Southchurch apartment, with Chalkwell apartments starting at £236,995. For more information on all the homes at Ekco Park, please visit www.bellway.co.uk or call the sales team on 01702 351 537.

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For further press information please contact Viv Onslow at The Oracle Group on 020 8394 2821 or email viv@oraclepr.co.uk