HOUSE prices in the region are still rising following a 1.2 per cent increase on the average value last month, from £142,835 to £144,565.

House price index the Rightmove says the region remains unusually buoyant compared to the rest of the country, with prices 31.3 per cent higher than a year ago.

Nationally, the market showed no change following a two per cent fall in August, with an anticipated autumn pick up failing to materialise.

Miles Shipside, commercial director of Rightmove, said: "We are faced with a 'housing stalemate', as prices and activity adjust from a seller's to a buyer's market. Over-optimistic asking prices just won't stick in this environment."

* www.rightmove.co.uk