In November UK house prices increased by 4.0% over the year but were slightly lower over the month (-0.1%, seasonally adjusted), according to latest statistics published by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

The average mix-adjusted UK house price was £208,585 (not seasonally adjusted).

Average house prices were 0.6% lower over the quarter to November, compared to a quarterly increase of 0.9% over the quarter to August (seasonally adjusted).

Average house prices increased in six of the nine English regions over the year to November 2010. The largest increase was in London (8.7%) and the smallest in the East Midlands (1.1%). The North East saw the largest annual fall (-2.5%).

Over the month to November six regions saw average price falls, ranging from -0.4% in the South East to – 2.0% in the East Midlands. Only the East of England (0.9%), London (0.9%) and the South West (0.5%) saw an increase over the month (not seasonally adjusted).

Average prices increased during the year in England (4.7%) and in Wales (3.0%) but were lower in Northern Ireland (-11.3%) and in Scotland (-2.4%).

Prices paid by first time buyers were 2.4% higher on average than a year earlier whilst prices paid by former owner occupiers increased by 4.6%.

Prices for new properties were 8.9% higher on average than a year earlier whilst prices for pre-owned dwellings increased by 3.7%.