Regional differences in house price performance have become more pronounced, says the Halifax.
Its latest data, released over the weekend, shows what it calls a clear divide between the northern and southern parts of the UK.
In the north, positive momentum has carried over from last year, with demand and inflation remaining robust.
Northern Ireland continues to lead the UK, with average prices rising +5.9% annually to £217,206.
Scotland follows closely, recording annual growth of +5.4%, taking the average property price to £221,711.
Elsewhere, Wales saw a modest rise of +0.5% over the year, with the average home now costing £228,415.
Within England, the strongest growth remains concentrated in the north.
The North West saw prices increase +2.1% to £244,329, while the North East recorded +1.2% annual growth, bringing the typical price to £181,198.
In contrast, southern regions have seen prices soften.
The South East, South West, London and Eastern England all saw annual declines of more than 1%.
The Halifax says that the four most expensive areas of the country have local markets which tend to be more sensitive to higher borrowing costs and taxes, which can weigh on affordability and confidence.
This article is taken from Landlord Today