Summary

■ Outperformance and underperformance: House prices in the East of England have recovered strongly since the downturn and are now 7.5% above their previous market peak. The strong Suffolk Coastal market has performed in line with the region, whereas prices in Ipswich have only just surpassed their 2007-08 peak.

■ Top of the league: Some of the most expensive seaside real estate in the UK is found along the Suffolk coast, buoyed by strong demand for family housing and second homes.

■ Seaside appeal: Alongside demand from families and second home owners, many downsizers have been attracted to the Suffolk coastal area by the quality of life offered close to the sea.

■ Development potential: In urban locations such as Ipswich, flats for singles, couples and the student market dominate, but there is a gap in this market for family housing.

■ Market variety: House prices in this area of Suffolk range from £100,000 for a small studio flat in Ipswich town centre to over £1m for a large family house and grounds on the coast.