House prices increased by 5.7% in the UK during the year to June, up from 5.6% in the year to May, according to figures published today (18 August) by the Office for National Statistics.

That is 57 times greater than inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index, the latest figures for which were released at the same time showing a 0.1% increase.

In England,house price inflation was 6.1%, in Wales 0.8%, in Northern Ireland 9.0% and in Scotland prices fell 0.6%.

As usual, inflation was highest in the East (9.2%) and the South East (7.7%).

Excluding London and the South East, UK house price inflation was 5.2%.

Prices paid by first-time buyers in June were on average 5.1% higher than in June last year. For existing owner-occupiers prices rose by 6.0%.