HOUSE prices in two Scottish cities have risen as much as five-fold in the past 25 years, according to a new study.
Edinburgh and Inverness were among the best performing areas in the UK and recorded rises well above the national average, the research from Halifax showed.
Prices in the UK rose from £38,616 to £172,427 between 1986 and 2011, a rise of 347%, but cities consistently performed better than other areas.
The average price of a property in Edinburgh rose from £33,524 in 1986 to £204,038 last year, an increase of 509%, making it the third best performing area in the UK, behind Truro and Westminster.
Meanwhile, Inverness benefited after being awarded city status, with prices there rising by 450% over the past 25 years, from an average of £30,605 to £168,264.
Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: "Cities have typically seen higher house price growth than the UK average over the past 25 years. The majority of cities have also outperformed their region. City house prices are generally supported by demand from those looking to gain from the economic and lifestyle benefits often associated with residing in major urban areas."
Tony Perriam, director of residential sales at estate agents Rettie & Co said: "With an increasing and more affluent population in Edinburgh over the past 25 years, and strong economic growth for much of this time, it is no surprise to see it near the top of this table."
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