Latest statistics have revealed that the Scottish housing market is continuing to see the demand for properties outstrip supply.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has said that while the number of entering the market for sale remains steady, demand for properties has increased.

The report added that the increase in demand was a key factor in the increased rise of house prices. House prices have continued to rise steadily since May 2013.

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It also found that the number of potential buyers rose more than the number of properties available to purchase for the ninth consecutive row.

In January, the gap between supply and demand reached almost 10%.

Sarah Speirs, Director of RICS Scotland, said: "Prices are on the up in Scotland and this is driven largely by a lack of properties coming on to the market.

"With a growing number of people now in a position to buy a home, there are simply not enough properties to satisfy demand.

"The upshot of this is that prices are increasing in many areas. However, Rics members do expect an increase in supply in the coming months as the traditional spring bounce begins to take effect."

(JP/IT)