In October UK house prices increased by 5.5% over the year but were slightly lower over the month (-0.1%, seasonally adjusted), according to the latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The average mix-adjusted UK house price was £209,466 (not seasonally adjusted).

Average house prices were 0.2% lower over the quarter to October, compared to a quarterly increase of 0.5% in July (seasonally adjusted).

Average prices increased during the year in Wales (9.1%) and in England (5.9%) but were lower in Northern Ireland (-8.9%) and in Scotland (-0.4%).

Prices paid by first time buyers were 3.4% higher on average than a year earlier whilst prices paid by former owner occupiers increased by 6.3%.

Prices paid for new properties were 4.4% higher on average than a year earlier whilst prices for pre-owned dwellings increased by 5.6%.