The area of the UK where house prices are rising the fastest
Northern Ireland continues to lead the UK for annual house price growth (Getty)
The average UK house price reached a new record high of £299,331 in August, marking the third consecutive monthly increase, according to the latest Halifax index.
Despite the monthly rise, the annual pace of growth slowed to 2.2 per cent in August, while the average property value for first-time buyers decreased by 0.6 per cent since May.
Northern Ireland continues to lead the UK for annual house price growth at 8.1 per cent.
In contrast to Halifax's findings, a separate index from Nationwide Building Society indicated a 0.1 per cent month-on-month fall in average UK house prices for August.
Experts suggest the market remains subdued with affordability as a key constraint, noting potential risks from rising mortgage rates, a weakening employment market, and Budget speculation.