House sales are picking up in Huddersfield – as new figures show an increase in UK property prices.

House prices increased by 3.1% year-on-year in June – the fastest rate so far this year – according to data from the National Office for Statistics.

The UK average was weighted by London, which saw an 8.1% year-on-year increase, but prices also rose in several regions, including the north east and Yorkshire.

Separate figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed house prices rose at their fastest pace since 2006 last month – while mortgage lenders said the number of first-time buyers is now at its highest level since the financial crash in 2007.

Alex McNeil, of Bramleys in Huddersfield, said the local market was “busy” with signs of growing confidence, but added: “The market is still price-sensitive.

“A lot of housing stock is still available and the better houses in the popular areas are being sold – if the price is right.

“However, the market is stronger with sentiment and confidence returning.”

Mr McNeil said: “A number of people who have been renting out houses as reluctant landlords in recent years are taking the opportunity to try to sell them because they think there is now more prospect of selling at a price that is acceptable to them.”

Mr McNeil said the announcement of further Government help –particularly for first-time buyers – from January next year was also influencing the market.

But he said: “We could end up with a situation where we get fewer sales towards the end of this year and a big influx early next year as people wait until January to take advantage of this scheme.”

The RICS survey of members reported a “sizeable peak” in the number of potential buyers in Yorkshire looking to enter the market in July – thanks in part to government schemes such as Funding for Lending and Help to Buy, which have helped make it easier to get a mortgage.

The number of potential sellers in the region had also increased – along with the number of houses sold.

A RICS spokesman said: “Looking ahead, it seems that prices across Yorkshire and Humber are going to continue to rise further – with a net balance of 32% more surveyors predicting increases.

“Meanwhile, transaction levels are also expected to grow – as 54% more respondents expect sales to rise rather than fall over the coming three months.”