The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said its September price balance fell to -32 from -28 in August, a larger drop than market surveys had forecast, while new listings rose for the first time since mid-last year. RICS research head Tarrant Parsons said rising rate-hike expectations are adding fresh headwinds, making buyers more cautious and slowing sales. RICS members expect further price declines over the next three months but for prices to stabilise within 12 months.