LATEST research from estate agency Strutt & Parker points to a levelling off of house prices in Hampshire after a strong period of growth.

Philip Blanchard from Strutt & Parker in Winchester said the market turned in August. "Since then the market has calmed down and buyers are more discerning and asking prices are more realistic.''

He said that the supply of properties for sale has dropped and many good buyers are now unable to find suitable homes.

"Hampshire properties are typically worth around 10-20 per cent more than at the beginning of the year and some are up 60 per cent in the last five years,'' he said.

But despite the slow down in the market Mr Blanchard said that the fundamentals underlying the Hampshire property market remained strong.

"Houses which are realistically priced, based on sound evidence will sell and the Hampshire market is always short of the classic edge of village country house where there will always be competition driven by London buyers.''