House-hunters are turning to the South Hams instead of searching for a new home overseas due to ‘Brexit uncertainty'.

Estate agents have seen a significant rise in the number of property purchases in South Devon – with Savills already recording more sales than the entirety of last year.

Marchand Petit also reported a “steady sales momentum” with an increase in “village locations”.

The South Hams area has always been hugely popular with residents and holidaymakers, with its allure of sandy beaches, sailing, beauty spots and Dartmoor National Park.

Excellent schools, including Ofsted “outstanding” colleges in Kingsbridge and Ivybridge, are another draw towards an improved quality of life for young families.

Sarah Douglas, Kingsbridge sales manager for Marchand Petit estate agents, said “buyers are more confident to purchase this side of the English Channel” amid “Brexit uncertainty”.

Ms Douglas said: “There is a shift since Brexit, persuading people to invest in the UK rather than Europe with house hunters happy to run to the Devon sun.

“The South Hams offers a fantastic standard of living that’s been recognised by house hunters across the board.”

Edward Tallack, director of Marchand Petit Salcombe, said: “The numbers looking to relocate not to the south of France but to Devon is on the increase, with buyers looking for business opportunities in the South Hams and properties with income potential.”

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the average house price in the South Hams in January 2019 is £317,679 compared to £305,422 in January 2018 – a four per cent climb.

The average price of a property in the UK rose by 1.5 per cent to £244,567.

Sarah-Jane Chick, of Savills South Hams, says there is “a greater appetite to buy property in the area than there is abroad at the moment” with Brexit looming.

Ms Chick said: “A lot of the appeal is the result of nostalgia – many people have been coming here for family holidays for two generations and they know the area well.

“People don’t want to buy abroad. In terms of sales, we are already ahead this year compared to the whole 12-month period of last year.

“It is the result of a fabulous summer for holidaymakers.”