Survey reports a slight rise in the RICS house price balance for the fourth consecutive month. 81% more Chartered Surveyors reported a fall than a rise in house prices, a decrease from 83.1% in July. Difficulties obtaining credit continue to be reflected in the numbers of transactions collapsing. The average number of transactions per surveyor (over the last three months) fell to 12.7 from last month's figure of 14.4, setting a new low for activity since this survey began. Some chartered surveyor estate agents are now reporting average sales of less than one property per week. Improved expectations for sales reflected in the last survey failed to transpire in August, a month where property sales are typically low. Repossessions figures remain below those seen in the 1990s and the key theme mentioned in relation to the decline of housing market activity is a general lack of liquidity.