Sales of expensive houses dropped significantly in south Norfolk towns last year, new data has revealed.

The number of houses selling for more than half a million pounds reduced by more than half in Diss, Wymondham and Harleston from 2017-18.

In the border town of Diss and its surrounding villages, data produced by HM Land Registry showed that compared to the 27 properties bought for more than £500,000 in 2017, in 2018 there were just 10.

Similarly in the Harleston area the number of sales of properties more than £500,000 dropped from 27 in 2017 to five.

However, properties in the villages near Harleston were sold for much higher amounts, with some houses going for almost £1m.

One of the most expensive sales for 2018 in the district was Moat Farm House, a six-bed grade II-listed giant in Alburgh less than five miles from the town, which went for a whopping £900,000.

Property website Zoopla estimated that monthly households bills may cost £2,725 per month. Nearby Redenhall House sold for an even pricier £950,000.

In comparison, the costliest sale in Diss was a four bedroom and bathroom house overlooking the Mere on Denmark Street, which sold for £602,500.

The only exception in the region was Wymondham's neighbour Attleborough, in Breckland.

Sales in Attleborough stayed much the same from 2017 to 2018, with 24 sales both years, dropping from four to three within the town last year.

But Christopher Scott, director of sales at the Diss branch of premium estate agent Fine and Country said: 'We're actually very busy. We sell many properties of a higher price range.'

Wymondham saw some extreme price slashes in individual houses over the course of last year.

The most expensive property bought in the south of Norfolk last year by far was on Norwich Common in Wymondham, next to Elm Farm business park.

Records show it sold for £10,920,000 in April 2018, yet mysteriously the four bedroom freehold's value has fallen to a fraction of its original price to £550,000 according to Zoopla.

Elsewhere in Wymondham a house on Sutton Drive which sold for £2,377,500 in 2017 was resold in 2018 for £399,950.