'BUSINESS as usual' is the catchphrase rifting through the offices and show-rooms of estate agents as Brexit fails to slow down the buoyant property market.

Demand for rentals in the area has soared recently with agents believing prices will rise by 15-20 per cent over the next three years.

Significant recruitment drives at companies like BAE over the past 12 months have seen homes rapidly snapped up.

Shaun Dixon of PC Lettings said: "The housing market changed forever in 2008 and we as a company trebled in size.

"The financial crash aided the rental market as young people now want to seize more opportunities and if you have a house, it is difficult to find a buyer and sell.

"If you rent, you give your notice and go – it's all about flexible living these days and professionals come from all over the world to work here so renting is buoyant."

Last week the letting company had 26 pending applications and had 10 new tenants moving in to properties across the area.

And the resilient market keeps continuing to expand, with no signs of slowing down.

The new Successor programme at BAE looks set to attract a wealth of workers to Barrow and its surrounding areas.

David Corrie of Corrie and Co traditionally sold homes but has seen a massive demand for rentals.

He said: "We have seen an overall increase in west Cumbria of people wanting to rent.

"The trend is following Europe – we have lots of industry like Germany and we are seeing more rentals happening.

"People have no guarantee of a job for life anymore so renting is the sensible option – you need to be mobile."

Typically the Furness area sees two large groups of workers setting up camp.

Young graduates who come ready to begin their career before moving on after a few years.

And, older, more experienced workers over 50 who are lured here to share their expertise and often contracted to weekdays only.

Both groups contribute significantly to the rental market but are not tempted to commit to buying homes here.

There is also an over-supply of short-term rooms which means many landlords could lose out.

"If the demand continues for longer-term tenancies the prices will increase but for short term, they will decrease as there are hundreds of rooms available.

The demand for more professional and prompt service is increasing and tenants are all expecting higher standards," said Mr Dixon, who co-owns PC Lettings.

He added: "The market does go up and down quite a bit but the general demand has steadily risen since 2008 and tenants are generally staying longer.

"Cost and guarantee is also important as is security and car parking and long term availability – those people coming to work here are still affected by price."

It is not just contractors in the Furness area who might struggle to find accommodation here.

Those looking to rent homes and branch out further into the Lake District will notice a short supply.

Properties in Kendal and Windermere are becoming increasingly difficult to find at competitive prices.

Understandably, the average age of a first-time buyer has risen from around 24 to 32 years old but estate-agents like David Corrie are still hard at work.

Britain's exit from the European Union may have caused the pound to fall but has not affected mortgage rates or the lenders attitudes to doling them out.

"It would appear local businesses aren't affected and it's business as usual here.

"I don't think we'll see a reduction in the Furness area as there are still people who need to buy, people who are committed to moving will stay that way.

"Interest rates and are good, mortgages haven't changed and lenders are still happy to lend so it's a good time to buy when markets are weak.

"Change always brings opportunity," said Mr Corrie.