Northern Ireland house sales are ‘highest in seven years’

According to official figures, 2014 saw 20,200 transactions.

Prices rose 8% across the year, but are still 1% below what they were at the beginning of 2005.

Finance minister Simon Hamilton said the data was “encouraging” – houses are more affordable and the market is confident.

The residential property price index is the most comprehensive survey of the market.

It includes analysis of all sales using stamp duty information recorded by Revenue and Customs.

(source BBC)