The average UK home is now worth £230,630, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

On a monthly basis prices were down by 0.1%.

Over the year, Wales experienced the highest value growth of 5.5%, followed by the West Midlands with a 4.6% increase.

House prices in London had the biggest fall, dropping by 0.7% annually and 1.2% month-on-month.

Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent, said: “On the ground, we are finding that we are in a price-sensitive, needs-driven market, especially at this time of year, which continues to be underpinned by low mortgage and unemployment rates, improving affordability and stock shortages.

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“As a result, we recorded better-than-expected viewings and valuations in early January, despite the Brexit uncertainty.”

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, added: “Several lenders, including Barclays and HSBC, have reduced their mortgage rates recently on the back of falling swap rates as they attempt to get business off to a strong start to the year.

“More lenders are likely to follow suit as funding costs remain low and there is a limited number of potential borrowers out there, as many people put decisions on hold until the Brexit outcome becomes more certain.”