Asking prices for British homes fell this month for the first time this year as buyers' confidence took a hit from the escalating uncertainty around Brexit, property website Rightmove said.

The average asking price for residential property advertised on Rightmove fell by 0.2% in July after a 0.3% rise in June. Compared with a year ago, prices were down 0.2%, Rightmove said.

"The housing market fundamentals remain largely sound in many parts of the country, but the current political climate means that the crucial ingredient of confidence has been impaired, and that is causing some potential buyers and sellers to hesitate," Rightmove director Miles Shipside said.