House prices pick up again

CHEAPER DEALS AND RATES CUT HELPS

- GRAHAM HISCOTT

LOWER mortgage rates helped drive the biggest monthly rise in property prices this year, figures revealed.

The Halifax said the average home rose 0.4% in value in July - just over £1,000 in cash terms. It took the nationwide average price to £298,237, or 2.4% higher year-on-year.

Experts say it shows the housing market has recovered from a brief lull after the end of a stamp duty holiday in April.