House prices up 12% in 2006 despite end-of-year slowdown

House prices across Ireland grew by 11.8% in 2006, according to figures published today by the ESRI and Permanent TSB.

The figure is up slightly on the 9.3% rise recorded in 2005.

However, the year-end edition of the Permanent TSB/ESRI house price index shows that house prices nationally did moderate towards the end of 2006, unlike the previous year.

House prices in Leitrim recorded the highest growth during the year at 29%, compared to 16% in Dublin and just 6% in Sligo.