HOUSE sales in a Dorset town are the slowest in the UK, according to new figures.

Data from online property site Rightmove shows the average time it takes to find a buyer for a property in Swanage is 136 days, the longest of all towns and cities featured.

It is followed by St Ives, in Cornwall, which takes 129 days, and Brixham, Devon, which takes an average of 119 days.

“Some of the current slowest markets are areas that are close to the coast and were ‘race for space’ hotspots during the pandemic,” a Rightmove spokesperson said.

The three areas that are fastest for finding a buyer are all in Scotland – Carluke (24 days), Falkirk (26) and Larbert (27).

“If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s worth looking at what’s happening in your local area, to get an idea of how the market is performing, and any local trends,” the spokesperson added.