HOUSE prices across the north are starting to fall, say estate agents and lenders.

But sellers in the Yorkshire region are still holding out for the price they want - in contrast to southern regions where buyers are securing price cuts.

Estate agency chain Reed Rains, which has a branch in Huddersfield, said the average house price across the north fell by 0.2% between November and October to £129,852.

That follows a 4.3% fall in the average price between September and October.

However, the poll of 130 Reed Rains branches showed that the average price remained 15% up on this time last year.

Managing director Nigel Favas said sellers remained in a strong position.

And he said: "While buyers and sellers alike are being more cautious, we expect to see confidence grow again in the new year."

Figures from the National Association of Estate Agents showed that UK house prices fell by 1.1% last month - continuing a six-month trend.

However, house prices nationally still stand 4.8% up on a year ago.

The NAEA said a housing market crash was "highly unlikely".