HOUSE prices rose steadily in February, according to Nationwide figures published today.

The Swindon-based finance giant said the price of a typical house increased by 0.5 per cent.

This followed January's 0.4 per cent rise and extends the steady period to seven months. Nationally, the typical property now stands at £152,879 £14,000 higher than in February 2004.

Analysts say housing market activity, which had been slowing throughout the second half of last year, appears to have bottomed out.