A house whose previous owners are buried in the back garden has been snapped up in a well-heeled area of London for around three-quarters of a million pounds.

The four-bedroom property, which also needs completely refurbishing, is likely to be worth an estimated £1 million once it has been spruced up, according to estate agent Gascoigne Pees, which has had the task of selling the house.

The two former occupants of the house in Teddington, south west London, were thought to be artists and their last wishes were to be laid to rest in their large back garden.

The property, which is understood to date back to 1875, sat on the market for a couple of weeks before being snapped up.

It received two offers, eventually selling for in excess of £730,000.

Neil Oates, the local branch manager at Gascoigne Pees, said potential buyers had not been put off by the previous owners' unusual wish and there had been interest from "quite a few people".

He said someone could now "put their own stamp on it".

London property prices have surged by 17% over the last year to reach £459,000 on average, according to figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

A shortage of homes to choose from amid a flurry of demand from buyers, including wealthy overseas investors, was said to be a strong factor pushing prices up in the English capital.

Marketing literature about the house described it as a "fantastic and unique property" which is believed to have been originally built as a pub.

The house, which is "in complete need of refurbishment", boasts four double bedrooms, four reception rooms, a bathroom, kitchen, a store room and utility room.

The literature added: "To the rear there is a private 50 foot garden with significant width.

"It is important to note that the previous owners' last wishes were to be buried in this garden, which is where both currently rest."