The rate of increase in house prices is expected to slow

The Lloyds TSB House Price Monitor said the cost of property had risen by 3.3% since October, bringing the average house price to �147,763.

Glasgow had the biggest growth, with prices up 6.8% in the three months to 31 January.

Dundee dropped 2.7% while Edinburgh and Aberdeen had rises of 5.7% and 5.6%.

The capital still has the highest average house price, at �191,447.

The survey showed house prices rose by 11% over the year.

Economists said the latest figures indicate a slowdown at the top end of the market.

The prospect for the Scottish housing market is a gentle slowdown in the rate of price increase Professor Donald MacRae Lloyds TSB's chief economist

Detached properties recorded an annual rise of 8.4% compared with 16.5% for terraced dwellings and 11.3% for flats. Prices for semi-detached homes rose by 10.2%.

Professor Donald MacRae, chief economist at Lloyds TSB, said: "The rate of increase of house prices in Scotland continues at a robust pace propelled by a favourable economic background and demand for houses exceeding the supply.

"However, there is clear evidence of a slowdown in price increases at the higher end of the market.

"Recent increases in interest rates will continue to moderate further house price rises from these high levels.

"The prospect for the Scottish housing market is a gentle slowdown in the rate of price increase."