House prices in Sussex have fallen for the fourth successive month.

More than half the county's chartered surveyors reported a slump in values from August to September.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors says prices are expected to continue to drop during the next three months.

South East regional director Irene Woodward said: "This confirms what the market has been showing for some time.

"The recent high prices had put off many first-time buyers from entering the market. Vendors are now pricing realistically to stimulate sales."

Altogether, 53 per cent of surveyors said prices had dropped.

The number of inquiries they received also fell for the sixth month in a row.

RICS members expect prices to start rising again early next year.

The average house price in Brighton and Hove reached £133,217 earlier this year, the highest figure ever.

It is thought the recent slump in values is due to many people being priced out of the market.

The price of a house is now five-and-a-half times the average wage. Last year it was less than five.

Unions have asked the Government for extra South East weighting to allow more teachers and nurses to move to the area, which has a shortage of staff.