The increase in Scottish property prices and transaction volumes should continue into next year, an industry expert has asserted.

Dianne Paterson, property partner at legal firm Russel and Aitken, said the latest figures coming out show that there has been an improvement in the market there.

However, she added that it is important to put the situation in context.

"Fewer properties have been coming on to the market over the last six months in both the new-build and second-hand markets. This lack of supply has created a greater demand for those properties being marketed," she added.

Although prices have risen, Ms Paterson claimed it is unlikely there will be a return of the rapid house price inflation seen over the last decade.

A study published by zoopla.co.uk earlier this week revealed that 79 per cent of homeowners think property prices will rise over the next six months.

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Written by Fiona Mayers