The average UK house price rose 0.3% to a new high of £301,151 in February, according to the latest Halifax house price index.
Annual growth was 1.3%, a rise from 1.1% from the previous month and the fastest pace for four months.
Regionally, Northern Ireland had the highest annual rise in average house prices.
The region saw prices rise 6.3% to £218,608, followed by Scotland where the typical house price increased 4.7% to £222,286.
Wales saw average property prices rise 2.4% year-on-year to £231,637.
In England, the North East saw average house price growth of 3.5% to £181,838.
But more expensive southern regions saw property prices continue to fall. This was most evident in the South East, where prices fell 2.2% to £383,834.
Average house prices in London fell 1% to £538,200.
Halifax head of mortgages Amanda Bryden said: “These latest figures suggest the market has regained some momentum after a softer end to 2025. While industry data for January show a slight easing in new mortgage approvals, overall activity has continued to prove resilient.
“There’s no doubt that affordability remains stretched, supply is constrained, and regional disparities persist. For those without family support, the path to home ownership feels particularly challenging.
“However, conditions have been gradually improving, with easing interest rates and real wage growth helping to support buyer confidence. As ever, timely and expert advice remains key to helping more people achieve their goal of stepping onto the property ladder.”
Quilter mortgage expert Karen Noye said: “While the market has enjoyed early momentum geopolitical events may throw this into question.
“The backdrop for buyers has become more complicated in just a few days. Hopes of a steadier rate environment have been disrupted by fresh instability following the war in Iran.
“While there will not be a sudden jump in mortgage rates lenders may pause planned reductions, with swap rates rising sharply as geopolitical tensions push up oil prices and revive inflation concerns. This shift makes it harder for households to judge when affordability will genuinely improve.”
