House prices growth cools in December

HOUSE prices are on the rise but the rate at which they are increasing is slowing.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office show prices were up by 6.5% in the year to December.

However, they eased back by 0.1% that month.

The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest rise was the Mid-west at almost 19%.

Overall, the national index is 18% lower than its highest level in 2007.

Dublin prices are 21% lower than their February 2007 peak.

The average paid for a property in December across the country was €260,000.