House prices in the last three months (July-September) were 1.4% higher than in the previous three months (April-June). This is the fastest price growth, on this measure, since February.

Prices in the three months to September were 4.0% higher than in the same three months a year earlier. The annual rate in September is higher than in August (2.6%) and at its highest growth rate since February.

House prices rose by 0.8% between August and September, following a 1.5% increase in August.

Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax Community Bank, said: "The annual rate of growth has picked up for the second consecutive month, rising from 2.6% in August to 4.0% in September. The average house price is now £225,109 - the highest on record. House prices in the three months to September were 1.4% higher than in the previous quarter, the fastest quarterly increase since February."