Home prices have fallen for a fifth consecutive month to their lowest since November 2017, government figures published on Monday showed.

October home prices fell 2.4 percent on month - widening from the 2.1 percent decline recorded in September.

Compared to a year ago, prices were 11 percent lower.

Flats measuring 1,075 square feet or smaller were 2.5 percent cheaper in October compared with September, while homes larger than 1,075 square feet were down one percent on month.

Rents edged up 0.3 percent, although levels are still down 2.6 percent from a year ago.