House prices rise 9% this year

The latest house price index shows a 9% rise in national house prices this year.

The figures compiled by Permanent TSB bank show the market significantly outperforming last year.

The eastern seaboard remains the most expensive place in the country to buy a home.

The 9% rise in the first nine months is an increase on the 6.6% rise in 2001.

The figures show the market a ctually accelerating as the year goes on.

Until August, prices were up 7.4%, with an increase of 5.6% over the six months to June.

The average price paid for a house in Dublin in September was €255,510 and €174,713 for an equivalent home outside the capital.