House buyers in Scotland are taking more time before commi

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' housing market survey showed UK prices had fallen at their steepest rate for nine years.

About 58% of chartered surveyors in Scotland reported price rises in the three months to September.

Elizabeth Bruce, of RICS Scotland, said the housing market was slowing in line with the rest of the economy.

The rest of the UK saw a second consecutive monthly fall in house prices, according to the study.

The RICS research showed Scotland had seen a gradual decline in house price rises over the past six months.

For buyers, a slower market offers the opportunity to take more time making such a major decision Elizabeth Bruce RICS Scotland

However, despite three interest rate rises in the last six months, the Scottish housing market remains buoyant.

Only two per cent of those surveyors in Scotland said prices had fallen significantly over the past three months.

Ms Bruce said: "The housing market is slowing down with the economy, after consistent interest rate rises over the past year.

"The slowdown is desirable from the point of view of market sustainability and may mean that further rate rises are unnecessary for the time being.

"For buyers, a slower market offers the opportunity to take more time making such a major decision while fixed price properties can be attractive to a tight budget.