RENTS in Brentwood are steadily in - creasing in line with house prices a new report has found.

The report, by estate agent Balgores, has revealed that although rents rises are slowing across Essex, prices in Brentwood are still on the up from this time last year.

In April 2015, the average monthly rent for properties in Brentwood was £1,071.45 but this has increased by more than £50 per month to £1,134.46; a rise of six per cent.

Rents in nearby Chelmsford and Basildon have increased by 4.5 per cent since April 2015.

Howard Lester, Director of Balgores Property Group said: “Brentwood has recorded a large hike in rent prices and this is line with rising property prices.

“House prices in Brentwood rose by 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, compared with the same time period in 2015.

“Brentwood is attracting commuters because of the great work-life balance that the town offers.

“It has two lovely country parks, the Brentwood Mall which being redevel - oped, a great selection of bars and res - taurants, good schools and excellent road and rail links and transport in the town will get a boost when Cross - rail starts running in 2018.”