house prices in Bolton have soared by an estimated 46 per cent in the last decade, new research reveals.

property values in Bolton have risen by more than £20,000 over the past ten years to an average £73,739, with experts predicting costs will soar again by five per cent this year.

Nationally, the research shows prices have soared by 75 per cent since 1991 and by 45 per cent in the North-west. Bolton's value growth is ranked 503rd across the country out of 720 towns surveyed.

The research by mortgage lenders the Halifax, reveals house prices in Bury have gone up by nearly 52 per cent, with houses costing £30,000 more.

In Leigh the rise is only 16 per cent, with a house costing an average £52,000.

Regional manager, Stephen Wolfenden, said: "Our estate agency offices experienced a steady increase in demand for property as confidence grew throughout last year.

"Increased affordability, coupled with several years of relatively modest price growth, have fuelled this demand and the prospects in most towns within the region are extremely positive."

The research shows Lymm in Cheshire is the most expensive North-west town with values doubling to almost £205,000, a 126 per cent boost. Prices in Salford and Manchester have risen by 45 per cent, Wigan by 43 per cent and Chorley by 23 per cent.

But Blackpool (£57,915), Dukinfield (£59, 920) and Fleetwood (£53,738), all recorded the smallest percentage rise.

Martin Ellis, Halifax Group Economist, said: "The overall increase in house prices in many of the region's towns over the last ten years demonstrates that residential property is a very good long-term investment, notwithstanding the falls in prices in the early 1990s."

But the research shows a clear North-South divide.

Values rose by significantly more in the four regions of southern England -- Greater London, the South-east, the South-west and East Anglia -- than in northern England, Scotland and Wales.

Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire is the most expensive town to live in. Aberdare in South Wales and Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, are the least expensive.