WEST DORSET: People are so caught up in Broadchurch they are actually searching for properties to buy in the fictional town.

Those who can separate fact from fiction are also checking out properties to buy in or rent in West Bay in increasing numbers.

More than 5,000 people a week are searching online for properties while the fictional Broadchurch is getting hundreds of queries.

Since the return of ITV's Broadchurch three times as many home-hunters have been checking out property in West Bay and there are 12 times as many searches on Rightmove for the village of Broadchurch itself.

Martin Bowen-Ashwin , branch director of Humberts in Bridport, pictured, said: “The TV show has helped to put West Bay back on the map, and we've seen a surge of enquiries for properties currently for sale. 

“Second homes are very popular in the area, either as a buy-to-let or to rent out to tourists, and the boost from Broadchurch is likely to increase this further. 

“We currently have a small farm for sale, as well as an eight-bedroom guest house that we think will prove popular with investors looking to cash in on the increased tourism. 

“Prices can vary considerably in the area depending on the location - you could get a one-bed flat for less than £100,000 on one side of West Bay, whereas some properties by the harbour come with a premium, like a two-bed penthouse apartment that we sold last year for more than £600,000.” 

The boost follows the news that a wooden chalet which has a starring role in Broadchurch 2 has gone on the market.

The two-bedroom property, which is located on the banks of the River Brit in West Bay, is up for sale for £275,000.

A local estate agent has estimated that the 'Broadchurch effect' may have pushed the price up by as much as £50,000. The chalet doubles as DI Alec Hardy's house on the water.

Miles Shipside, Rightmove's director and housing analyst, said: “Property searches in West Bay have been increasing every week since the first episode, and while some might be looking out of curiosity, there will be others who are tempted by the scenic views of West Bay and decide to make a permanent move. 

“Others may decide to invest in a buy-to-let property thanks to the increased interest the show has created. 

“As well as these spikes of interest in filming locations, we also see hundreds of searches for fictional places on Rightmove every year, places like Downton Abbey and even Coronation Street, perhaps by people just double-checking they're definitely not real.”

The Broadchurch effect has also led to a boom in holiday bookings.

Eype's Highlands End Holiday park general manager James Cox said: “ Year-to-date bookings have increased 57.8 per cent for lodges and apartments and 196 per cent for tenting, touring caravan and motorhome pitches.”