HOUSE prices in the Borders have seen an annual increase of 3.4 per cent, according to a new report.

The average property sold in the region was £287,488 in June to August - up from £228,148 last year.

Three-bedroom properties in Galashiels were the most popular and the quickest to be sold, according to property site ESPC.

Some of those homes were sold in only eight days - 24 days quicker than from the same period last year.

Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, said: “Following on from a positive few months in the property market, it’s great to see a continuation of the trends with this month’s data.

"Once again, there’s plenty of activity from both buyers and sellers, which helps to keep a much-needed healthy balance across the market.

“There are more clear signs of high confidence in the market, and we can only hope to see this continue into the autumn, as we expect to see that ‘last push’ of activity for those who want to move home before Christmas.

“It’s great to see that areas of the Borders, like Galashiels, are high in demand for family homes.”

To view properties currently on the market visit: espc.com.