Home comfort

YOUR report (22 August) on the recent modest fall in house prices in Scotland suggests regret at this trend, but I take the opposite view. The economy cannot recover until house prices fall about 20 per cent more, and stay around that level permanently.

There is only one possible cure for the current difficulties. All concerned in the building market – architects, planners, builders, trades unions, estate agents – must find ways to build houses for first-time buyers up to modern standards, but down to a price that would-be first-time buyers can pay.

John Smart

Kinneddar Street

Lossiemouth, Moray