Around £120 million of property changed hands through the Tayside Solicitors Property Centre in the first half of the year.
Data from member firms in Dundee, Angus and north-east Fife show more than 900 properties were sold from the start of 2011 to the end of June.
The average price over the six months was £132,542 down over 5% on the same period last year, when it was £139,917.
There were, however, signs of improvement in house prices in May, June and July.
The last two months have also seen the market pick up pace, said centre manager Peter Ryder, with June sales 12% up on the same period last year. Homeowners are also being more pragmatic in their expectations.
“We find that there is an air of realism among sellers bringing homes on to the market,” said Mr Ryder. “No one is burying their heads in the sand.
“Prices on detached villas, semi-detached villas and detached bungalows have been holding up well. Quality individual properties still generate multiple offers, with location inevitably a key factor.”
Demand for detached bungalows remains strong, with the average price of £191,252 on a par with last year.
The average sale price for villas was £235,320, up on last summer, with total sales in the category over £26 million.
However, the price of the average flat fell from £100,525 to £90,124.
“Clients, especially in the first-time buyer bracket, are still experiencing difficulties obtaining a mortgage or coming up with a suitable deposit,” said Mr Ryder.