Evidence of the property market in Spain beginning to stabilise can be seen by slight house price increases in the south-eastern city of Murcia, it has been claimed.

According to Facilismo.com, house prices in the region have risen by 0.24 per cent during January, making it one of a select few areas to note housing market augmentation.

Other areas to record growth include Valencia with 0.11 per cent, Cantabria at 0.09 per cent and the Basque Country, which posted a 0.06 per cent gain.

Chris Mercer, director of Mercers real estate agent, said: "This shows a comforting trend towards a stabilisation of the market and the prospect of further price rises, at least in Murcia, over forthcoming months.

"I'm adamant that this market is the most price sensitive I have seen in 27 years dealing in Spanish rental property and this is why Murcia is emerging strongly."

Murcia is the seventh largest city in the country by population and boasts a thriving agricultural industry.