House price increases are beginning to slow, the study claims

The Lloyds TSB Scotland House Price Monitor found annual increases ranged from 8% in Glasgow to 15% in Aberdeen.

In the three months to 31 October, the average Scottish house cost �145,593, up 2.6%, although Edinburgh and Glasgow prices dropped over the quarter.

Over the year, Scottish house prices rose by 11.6% on average. The study now predicts a drop in price rise rates.

HOUSE PRICE ANNUAL INCREASES Aberdeen: Up 15% North - excluding Aberdeen: Up 14% South east - excluding Edinburgh: Up 14% Dundee: Up 12% Central/Fife/Perth/Tayside: Up 12% South west - excluding Glasgow: Up 11% Edinburgh: Up 11% Glasgow: Up 8% Source: Lloyds TSB

Lloyds TSB Scotland chief economist Professor Donald MacRae said the rate of house prices increase in Scotland had been faster than in the rest of the UK.

He added: "Relatively low interest rates and a favourable economic background continue to propel the housing market in Scotland upwards.

"Consumer optimism remains moderate to high - demand for consumer credit strong and unemployment claimant count close to a 30-year low.

"The Scottish house price boom is lasting longer than expected but the recent increase in the cost of borrowing, with perhaps more to come in spring 2007, will ensure the Scottish house price boom gently subsides rather than busts."