HOUSE prices in St Helens have continued to soar since the turn of the year, but buyers seem as keen as ever to keep snapping up the properties.

Rises this year are thought to be pushing 10 per cent and come on the back of figures last year which showed the valuation of homes soared by 55 per cent - the third highest rise in the UK.

A shortage of properties is said to be behind the rises, as demand outstrips supply. And the increasing cases of people snapping up homes for investments is believed to be a key reason why prices have shot up.

Both St Helens Council and St Helens North MP Dave Watts have expressed concerns that the inflated prices will mean first-time buyers are unable to get on the property ladder.

Especially competitive since the new year has been the £50,000 to £100,000 price bracket, where first-time buyers have been going head-to-head with investment buyers.

Some terraced houses have been going under offer within days of going on the market, while dozens of bookings for viewings come in on the day a sought after property's details are advertised.

St Helens Council says it is concerned the increases are putting property "out of the reach of some people."

Dave Watts, meanwhile, admitted would-be first-time buyers had visited his constituency surgeries because prices are becoming unaffordable.

He said the only answer is to build more houses: "Everyone would like to see low house prices for St Helens for young people, but there needs to be a willingness to accept more house building should take place.

"It's a schizophrenic view; like when people say there are too many cars on the road, but I'm going to drive mine anyway.

"I know of someone who went in seeing a starter home and was told none of the houses were available at the moment and were told keep in touch to show they are interested. It is the customers chasing the seller - it used to be the other way round."