THE LATEST STATS from the CSO’s Residential Property Price Index show prices continuing to increase around the country.

The latest figures, which give a picture of the trend over the last 12 months, continue to show a ‘two-speed’ housing market — with prices in Dublin increasing at a faster rate, compared to the rest of the country.

At a national level, the price of houses and apartments rose at a rate of 12.5 per cent in the twelve months up to June. That compares to an increase of 1.2 per cent recorded over the previous year.

In June 2014 alone, residential property prices rose by 2.9 per cent, according to the stats — which were posted online this morning. That compares with an increase of 2.3 per cent recorded in May and a rise of 1.2 per cent recorded in June of last year.

In Dublin, prices grew by 3.3. per cent last month and are now 23.9 per cent higher than a year ago.

House prices in the capital are 24.4 per cent higher, compared to a year ago, while apartment prices in the city are rising at a slightly slower rate — up 18.2 per cent, compared to June 2013.

The price of houses and apartments outside Dublin rose by 2.3 per cent in June of this year, and prices are now 3.4 per cent higher than this time last year.

Read Lamb kebabs found to contain no… lamb

Read Have trouble getting out of bed in the morning? Try these 9 tricks for waking up early