House prices rose 5.6% in first half of 2002

House prices have risen by 5.6% in the first six months of this year, according to the latest Permanent-TSB house price index.

In Dublin, prices rose by 6.8%, compared to 5.2% outside the capital.

This six-monthly increase is higher than the rate of increase throughout all of 2001.

Commenting on the figures, Permanent TSB said it is too early to predict movements in prices for the rest of the year.