THE average family home in York now costs more than £100,000 up by £12,000 in the past three months, according to the latest figures.

House prices in York and North Yorkshire have continued to rise and city estate agents have confirmed that a slump in the market is not on the cards, despite fears of a slow-down elsewhere in the country.

The figures from the Halifax House Price Index, which are based on Halifax property transactions over the last quarter, show that the average semi-detached house in York sold between July and September cost £100,900, compared with £88,500 between April and June.

In North Yorkshire, semi-detached properties sold for an average of £97,150 in the third quarter of this year, compared with £92,800 for the second quarter.

Land Registry figures show that the average price for all types of houses in York between April and June this year was £97,000. The latest figures will be released in November.

Jason Clarke, spokesman for Halifax, said: "York is seeing more commuters come over from Leeds. We are getting those people who are in the high earning bracket because York is a desirable place to live.

"We believe that there's still growth in the housing market, albeit at a steadier rate than we have seen in the last year."

David Beattie, a valuer at Quantum estate agents in Walmgate, said his experience compares with the Halifax figures.

But he said areas such as Acomb and Tang Hall, which were often overlooked by newcomers to the city because they were seen as less desirable, were expected to become more popular in the future.

He said: "There's a massive amount of people coming to York and they ask for advice from their colleagues and friends about where to live.

"We have seen high demand on property in some areas based on the recommendations people make.

"People often come in with a list of Stockton Lane, Heworth, Heslington, but you can't say good or bad things about one area, the difference can be between streets.

"York will always have a demand, people are coming in from the outside and first time buyers are being offered more deals than ever."

Peter Moody, partner in Hudson Moody estate agents, said he had more buyers on his books than ever, but he questioned the Halifax figures.

He said the lower end of the market was still buoyant for first time buyers because the cost of mortgages was so low.

He said: "I would find it difficult to understand a price for an average semi going up from £88,000 to £100,000, not because I don't think they are worth £100,000, because they are, but I would say they were worth £95,000 in the last quarter.

"There has been an increase but only a small one.

"The market post-September 11 is cautious, I've got loads of buyers because interest rates are so low but they are not prepared to pay over the odds."

Updated: 08:39 Wednesday, October 10, 2001