Annual house price growth reached a two-year high of 3.2% in September, led by Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The North West saw annual growth of 5.0%, with Scotland also seeing an increase of 4.3%.
Northern Ireland topped the index however, where prices have increased by 8.3%.
On a monthly basis UK house prices rose by 0.7%.
Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: “Competition among lenders to offer cheaper mortgage rates is boosting housing market activity and property prices.
“Many buyers were waiting for rates to come down before taking action and now that the Bank of England has made that all-important first cut, with another expected in November, this will further encourage those who may be wavering.
“The housing market appears to be on a firmer footing with buyer and seller confidence noticeably stronger.”
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance, Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Buyers were back with a bang, prompting a September surge.
“This time of year is always fairly busy, but falling mortgage rates and wages outstripping inflation have prompted a burst of enthusiasm which has pushed prices up to within 2% of their pandemic-induced peaks.
“These aren’t runaway price rises, but they’re firmly positive, which always helps boost buyer sentiment and keep the wheels rolling on the property bandwagon.”
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