Latest statistics, passed onto the Manx Government and the Council of Ministers, show an estimated average house price in the Isle of Man of ?250,000.

However, the figure is likely to rise as more detail comes in.

For the first time in some years, the number of houses for sale is reported to have risen. It had been dropping steadily, but 1,400 were sold in the year to the end of September, compared with 1,311 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, a study of retailing in the Isle of Man is now due. It's been conducted by Glasgow based Roger Tym and Partners, locally supported by Black Grace Cowley.

It will look at the current state of the sector and future opportunities and is designed as 'a health check'. The study will engage stakeholders to gauge local requirements and potential, and consider how prospective economic initiatives may beneficially impact on retailing outside Douglas.

(Picture: Houses in Mona Terrace, Douglas from manxscenes.com).