It's been a mixed picture for Plymouth's housing market this year, according to a local estate agent.

Average house prices in the city now look to be around the £165,000 mark, but yesterday's Nationwide report suggested the market was likely to remain subdued for the next year.

Swift estate agents in Mannamead say low interest rates may encourage some first time buyers, but that they don't feel banks are lending as much as they could.

They say there is a shortage of good quality properties coming onto Plymouth's housing market too, despite the fact there seems to be more buyers.