Houses in parts of Scotland are selling quicker than anywhere else in the UK, according to a survey by Bradford & Bingley.

The report said properties in some parts of Glasgow are being sold in as little as two weeks.

On average it takes seven weeks to sell a house in Scotland, four weeks quicker than the UK average and three weeks faster than in the south-east of England.

The report, which covers the four months since February, shows Scotland bucking the general trend of sales slowing down across the UK despite a shortage of available properties.

Hottest spots

The hottest spots in the country are the Merchant City and Clarkston areas of Glasgow, where homes are taking two weeks to sell, followed by Dalgety Bay in Fife and Bishopton in Renfrewshire where sales take four weeks.

In the UK as a whole houses are taking two weeks longer to sell compared to the same period last year, even though viewings are up by 9%.

Bradford & Bingley said the shortage could be causing people to look at more properties and wait longer for a suitable home to come onto the market, while the weather and end of season football matches were also listed as possible reasons for the slowdown.

Ian Davies, regional business director for Bradford & Bingley, said: "We would expect the shortfall to speed up selling times but it is not. With less choice available, buyers are trying to match what is on their wish lists as best they can and are prepared to delay making a decision."

The reasons given for moving were broadly the same as in previous surveys, with people wanting larger properties, better locations, and to be in the catchment area of a good school.

But en-suite bathrooms, double glazing, studies and off-street parking were also becoming increasingly important features of a new home.