THE average house price in the North-East has risen by a record amount in the past three months, a survey has found.

The average price for a home rose 5.27 per cent to £87,000 in County Durham, Teesside, North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

In North Yorkshire, the average house price rose above £100,000 for the first time, according to the quarterly house price survey by lender Northern Rock.

Although the 4.4 per cent growth in the county was below average for the region, the average price is now £102,800.

The market in County Durham saw mixed growth, with increases ranging from one per cent for a three-bedroomed semi-detached house, to 5.5 per cent for a two-bedroomed terraced house.

Slower growth caused Durham to drop from seventh to ninth place in the table for average house prices.

Estate agent Broadley and Coulson reported mixed performances in different parts of the county. There was high demand around Crook, Bishop Auckland and the surrounding villages.

Teesside saw steady house price growth in the three months to April, with an increase of 5.2 per cent, taking the average house price in the area to £79,600.

Each of the six house types on Teesside saw increases of five per cent or more.

Newcastle was the most expensive area in the region, with the average price rising to £105,000.

Sunderland was the cheapest, with an average of £75,350.

Northern Rock chief valuer Alistair Laws said: "The housing market across the whole region remains strong, again characterised by a continuing shortage of supply which is generally bolstering demand.

"The resultant healthy price increases continue to exceed expectations in a number of sectors of the market.

"The traditional hotspots, particularly Jesmond and Gosforth, in Newcastle, together with the popular coastal towns of North Tyneside, continue to show marked price increases.

"This is particularly the case for Tyneside flats in Jesmond, where capital appreciation has been significant.

"This is, in turn, enhancing property values in adjoining areas that are clearly benefiting from the knock-on ripple effect.

"Healthy market conditions therefore continue in what is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year."

The Northern Rock house price survey is provided by a panel of more than 200 estate agents and valuers.