Annual house price inflation in Scotland remained constant at 15.6 per cent in May and June in comparison to fluctuations across the rest of the UK, in news likely to be welcomed by first-time buyers looking to buy a new home.

According to the Communities and Local Government house price index for June, Scotland also had the lowest average regional house prices in the UK in June at £160,363.

Average Welsh house prices were £165,119, English homes were £221,370 and Northern Ireland properties were £240,302.

While Wales saw a 0.9 per cent decrease to 7.6 per cent annual house price inflation, Northern Ireland and all nine regions of England experienced increases to 55 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.

The report states: "The average price paid by first time buyers across the whole of the UK was £164,755 in June, while the average price paid by former owner occupiers was £238,490."

Communities and Local Government was created on May 5th 2006 and aims to create prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for citizens of the UK.