HOUSE prices rose by up to 20 per cent in 1996, and certain sectors of the property market increased in value by close to 30 per cent, according to a national property survey carried out by the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI).

The survey, carried out among the IAVI's 1,100 members, confirms that 1996 was a record year for auctioneers. It shows that nearly all sectors of the market rose significantly throughout the country, while some experienced dramatic increases, particularly housing sites and new and second hand apartments. The outlook for 1997 is good, but price rises will be less dramatic.