The Essex city set to be the next Hackney — with homebuyers getting in before prices go up

Prices in Southend have risen 107% since 2006 (Picture: Getty Images)

Back in the 80s, a five-bedroom Clapton home would set you back £20,000, whereas these days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bedsit there for less than £400,000.

Between 1996 and 2016, house prices in Hackney increased by 700%, taking it from London’s ‘poorest borough’ to a ‘hipster paradise’ — and making those who got in early feel very smug indeed.

To be an early bird who catches the worm in the current market, you’ll likely...