This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27885185

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UK house prices 'rise 9.9% in a year' UK house prices 'rise 9.9% in a year'
(36 minutes later)
House price increases accelerated in April, rising by 9.9% compared with the same month a year ago, according to official figures.House price increases accelerated in April, rising by 9.9% compared with the same month a year ago, according to official figures.
The typical price of £260,000 grew at the fastest rate for nearly four years.The typical price of £260,000 grew at the fastest rate for nearly four years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said prices rose strongly across the UK, with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all picking up pace.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said prices rose strongly across the UK, with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all picking up pace.
London, where prices were were up 18.7%, remains the driving force behind the housing revival.London, where prices were were up 18.7%, remains the driving force behind the housing revival.
But excluding London and the South East of England, the cost of a home was still 6.3% higher than 12 months before.But excluding London and the South East of England, the cost of a home was still 6.3% higher than 12 months before.
Other surveysOther surveys
In March, the ONS calculated that the annual rate of increase had fallen back slightly to 8%, so the April figures shows the market accelerating once again.In March, the ONS calculated that the annual rate of increase had fallen back slightly to 8%, so the April figures shows the market accelerating once again.
April house price inflation was 10.4% in England, 3.3% in Wales, 4.8% in Scotland and 2.6% in Northern Ireland - all higher than the previous month.April house price inflation was 10.4% in England, 3.3% in Wales, 4.8% in Scotland and 2.6% in Northern Ireland - all higher than the previous month.
'Trapped'
First-time buyers continue to experience more rapid price increases than people moving house.First-time buyers continue to experience more rapid price increases than people moving house.
Campbell Robb, the chief executive of Shelter, said: "Each rise in prices means more people stuck living in their childhood bedrooms, or trapped in the cycle of moving from one expensive rented home to the next.
"This is a problem that the government can fix. We need a new generation of quality part-buy, part-rent homes, and to make sure that small builders can get hold of the land and finance necessary to build them.
The ONS reports its figures a month later than other organisations, though the calculation is based on the widest sample of mortgages.The ONS reports its figures a month later than other organisations, though the calculation is based on the widest sample of mortgages.
The Halifax has already estimated May's year-on-year increase at 8.7%.The Halifax has already estimated May's year-on-year increase at 8.7%.
The Nationwide building society said May saw an annual rise of more than 11%, although it suggested that the market might be coming off the boil.The Nationwide building society said May saw an annual rise of more than 11%, although it suggested that the market might be coming off the boil.
Last week, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to give the Bank of England the power to impose a cap on home loans related to income or the value of the house.Last week, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to give the Bank of England the power to impose a cap on home loans related to income or the value of the house.
At present, the Bank can advise on such a cap, but not impose it. The new power should be in place before the end of this Parliament in 2015, the chancellor said.At present, the Bank can advise on such a cap, but not impose it. The new power should be in place before the end of this Parliament in 2015, the chancellor said.