Homeowners in west London face one of the highest home insurance premiums in the entire country, a study has found.

MoneySuperMarket revealed Harrow is among the top five most expensive areas for home insurance, costing £181 per year in July.

Despite this, premiums are actually cheaper in Harrow and south west London than they were 12 months ago.

South west London had the highest premiums in the country at £198 a year, almost £80 more than the national average of £119.

Also at the top of the list were premiums in north London which hit £197, while in east London they hit £172.

Outside the M25, the most expensive area was Slough at £166, followed by Bromley at £157 and Southend-on-Sea at £141.

Those in Glasgow are also at the higher end of the scale with £131, as well as Belfast at £131 and Leeds at £128.

Homeowners in Durham enjoy the cheapest premiums at £98, followed by Newcastle with £100, Norwich at £101, Stoke-on-Trent at £101 and Dudley on £103.

Dan Plant, editor-in-chief at MoneySuperMarket, said: “The cost of home insurance has been steadily falling over the last five years.

"However, with Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) having increased from 10% - 12% on the 1st June, it is not surprising that we have seen the average combined contents and building cover start to creep up once again.

“With this in mind, those languishing on old policies could make savings by shopping around and switching providers.

"Whether the area you live in has seen the cost of cover rise or fall, it’s worth having a look at what else is available.

"Insurers reserve their best prices for new customers, making shopping around at renewal a must.

"There are savings of up to £724 to be made, and it only takes 10 minutes.”

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