House prices continue to rise across province in 2017

That’s according to the latest figures covering the second quarter of 2017, April to July, from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) which shows that the avergae across region as a whole is now £128,65.

The report for Q2 also shows that prices are up by 3.1% on the first quarter, while the year on year figure shows a 4.4% lift over the same period last year.

By disctirct council areas, the lowest average price is to be found in Derry City and Strabane at £109,939, while the highest average figure is £154,704 in Lisburn and Castlereagh.

The Index uses stamp duty information on residential property sales recorded by HMRC and the agency said that while all areas reported a rise, the largest had been seen in Mid Ulster, where average house prices rose by nine per cent over the last 12 months.

In contrast , the slowest growth was in Belfast, where prices were just one on per cent higher than this time last year.

Apartments saw the biggest increase with a 4.1% rise, while terrace houses increased by 3.5%.

Both detached and semi-detached increased by 2.8% over the same quarter.

“Despite perceived challenges, house price growth has continued unabated in the first half of 2017 in a relatively buoyant and busy marketplace,” said Neil Templeton, director at estate agents Templeton Robinson.

“Transactions and enquiries are strong, particularly among first-time buyers and those trading up and against this there is confidence that this will continue.

“Prices have been on a steady upward climb since 2013 and in market still supported by record low interest rates and natural, generational demand for housing, we continue to see strength going forward.

“There is value to be had in some areas and in others, demand is strong in the face of limited supply.