Reading's thriving tech industry has caused property prices to soar, according to new research.
Figures published by crowdfunding platform Property Partner reveal that property prices in Reading have risen by nearly 60 per cent over the last five years.
The average house price in Reading has risen from £192,547 to £307,718 since 2011 because the tech industry has driven up "local incomes and in turn house prices".
This means the tech hub town has seen the largest increase in property prices, outside of London.
There are now 44,440 tech jobs in Reading, at firms like Microsoft, Oracle, DigiCom 360 and Fujitsu. That equates to 14 tech jobs per 1,000 people.
Other established UK tech hubs, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Southampton and Manchester, have also seen property prices surge.
Daniel Gandesha, chief executive of Property Partner, said: "The digital economy is expanding rapidly, creating new jobs and opportunities across the UK - but it's not evenly spread.
Five year average house price increase (2011 to 2016)
Property Partner
"As a large-scale buyer of residential property up and down the country, we know that tech clusters drive local incomes and in turn house prices."
He added: "Innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the tech sector is not only transforming everything we do on a daily basis but is also strengthening the British economy."
While The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, which offers Reading firms advice and trade support, says a number of other factors have caused this property price increase.
A spokeswoman said: "The growth of Reading is partly dependent on the tech industry but many other companies such as Bayer have made the choice to move into the town [Green Park].
"The transport infrastructure has also influenced this e.g. Crossrail where many commuters will come into Reading from outside the town.
"The overall effect of Crossrail across its route into Berkshire is bound to have an impact on property prices.
"However, Berkshire is a vibrant, thriving area and is also attracting increased inward investment which is good news for business and for employees”.