HOUSE prices are continuing to rise in East Ayrshire, despite financial woes caused by the cost-of-living crisis, latest figures show.

According to the UK House Price Index, average values in East Ayrshire have seen significant increases over just 12 months.

The average value of a home in East Ayrshire in October was £131,953 – up by more than £12,000 compared to a year earlier (£119,776).

The 10.2% rise in East Ayrshire was the highest price jump out the three Ayrshire regions, with South Ayrshire jumping 5.9% and North Ayrshire by 9.4%.

East Ayrshire is the third cheapest place to buy a house in Scotland, on average, behind Inverclyde (£126,990) and North Ayrshire (£130,754).

Across Scotland as a whole, the average house price in October was £194,874, which is up by 8.5% compared to a year earlier.

Latest figures also show that the number of homes sold in East Ayrshire has dropped as many potential buyers struggle to find their dream property.

A total of 196 homes were sold in the area in August this year, compared to 210 in the same month in 2021.

A spokesperson for Registers of Scotland, which provides data for the UK House Price Index, said: “In Scotland, detached houses showed the largest annual percentage change out of all property types, increasing by 10.7% in the year to October 2022 to £356,000.

“Flats and maisonettes showed the lowest annual percentage change, which increased by 5.5% in the year to October 2022 to an average price of £131,000.”