Northern Ireland house price growth was the highest in Europe during 2006, according to a report published today.
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) European Housing Review said Northern Ireland experienced growth of 36% - outstripping all other regions.
It was closely followed by Poland, which experienced 32% growth and Denmark which recorded a 22% rise in house price growth.
The North has experienced unprecedented house price growth in the last few years - the 36% reported by the RICS is restrained compared to growth of over 50% reported by other bodies for last year.
RICS Northern Ireland residential property spokesman Tom McClelland said growth across the continent had been solid as Europe resisted the lead of the US, where the market ground to a halt.
He said: 'Fears of a considerable house price slowdown in the UK, Spain and the Republic of Ireland - which are considered to be over-heated markets - once again proved to be off the mark.'
Rising income and employment levels had cushioned the three markets, and others, from rising interest rates, he said.
The prospects for this year remain good as many economies entered the year on a firm note, said Mr McClelland.
He said that relatively buoyant economic conditions, a strong investor market and a significant shortage in housing supply pushed prices up very significantly in Northern Ireland.
