House price growth has continued to edge down from the double-digit increase of last year, but experts say that many would-be buyers are still locked out of the market.

After a double-digit increase in 2006, they are expected to rise well above inflation again in 2007.

A double-digit increase in earnings per share was predicted for the next two years.

Any benefit for middle and higher earners will be offset by a bigger than expected rise in national insurance and a double-digit increase in capital gains tax.

In particular, a 9.3 per cent rise in the like-for-like rent roll over the nine months would seem to point to another comfortable double-digit increase this financial year.