UK house prices rose by 0.4% in July, the biggest monthly increase since the start of this year, according to the latest Halifax house price index.
The average house price is now £298,237, 2.4% higher than a year ago.
Northern Ireland continues to be the strongest performing nation or region in the UK, where house prices here increased by 9.3% over the past year.
Scotland also recorded positive house price growth in July, increasing by 4.7% with average prices now at £215,238.
Property prices in Wales saw a rise, up 2.7%, to an average of £227,928.
Among English regions, the North West and Yorkshire & the Humber have the highest rate of property price inflation, up 4.0% over the last year to £242,293 and £215,532 respectively.
The South West, London and the South East continue to see moderate growth, with prices rising by just 0.2% and 0.5% respectively. London remains the most expensive part of the UK, now averaging £539,914.
Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Halifax, said: “While the national average remains close to a record high, it’s worth remembering that prices vary widely across the country depending on a number of factors, not least location and property type.
“Challenges remain for those looking to move up or onto the property ladder. But with mortgage rates continuing to ease and wages still rising, the picture on affordability is gradually improving.
“Combined with the more flexible affordability assessments now in place, the result is a housing market that continues to show resilience, with activity levels holding up well.
“We expect house prices to follow a steady path of modest gains through the rest of the year.”
Jason Tebb, president of OnTheMarket, commented: “The housing market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, shaking off external economic concerns amid evidence of plenty of activity.
"While the average house price is close to a record high, this is only part of the picture as behind the headline figure are considerable regional variations and differences according to property type.
"Recent base rate cuts have been fundamental in boosting confidence and activity. Further rate reductions from the Bank of England will provide much-needed stimulus for the market and boost buyer and seller confidence as we head towards autumn. Further relaxing of criteria by lenders will also help with this."
Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, added: “Another cut in interest rates this month, as expected by the markets, should further boost confidence and activity in the housing market. While inflation remains higher than the Bank of England’s target, wage inflation is slowing and unemployment rising. However, despite wider economic uncertainties the picture for potential home buyers remains broadly stable.
“Mortgage rates continue to edge downwards but it’s not just pricing that is improving with lenders also broadening policy, including increasing loan-to-income caps and lowering some income requirements, which is boosting affordability."
