WEST London may soon be out of reach for ordinary families says a former Hillingdon estate agent.

Haart branches in the suburbs are reporting a significant increase in the number of house hunters as people head out of the capital in search of more affordable housing.

A 34% rise in prospective buyers is reported in Wembley and Hillingdon/Uxbridge, 39% in Harrow and 44% in Ruislip.

Former Hillingdon Haart manager Christopher Sheehan said: “The increase in demand for three-bedroom houses is unbelievable. The average three-bedroom house in the area has increased this year from £300,000 to £350,000-plus already and many are selling in excess of the asking price.”

Mr Sheehan said the demand in Hillingdon is partly due to schools performing well.

“This makes Hillingdon a great place to raise your family, along with the links into central London,” he said.

The number of properties for sale has also increased, most notably in Wembley, which is up 135%.

Other areas of Hilling don, such as West Drayton, will also see an increase after CrossRail is built, according to Mr Sheehan.