House about 5% price rise

Supply 'main factor in affecting cost of properties'

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

ESTATE agents expect national property prices to increase by an average of 5% over the next 12 months - down slightly from the 6% increase forecast in January.

Over half of the agents, who are members of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), believe the key factor influencing house prices will continue to be the supply, or lack of, new housing.