The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said prices in February had risen by just 0.3% over the past year. There are big regional variations, with prices rising in London, the South East and Scotland, but falling sharply in Northern Ireland and the North East.

Prices rose by 0.2% in February, putting them at an average of £224,473 across the UK.

“In the 12 months to February 2012, average house prices increased in both England and Scotland by 0.4% and 1.1% respectively,” the ONS said.

“These increases were offset by decreases in Wales, where average prices decreased by 0.5%, and Northern Ireland, where average prices fell by 9.7%. “The annual increase in average house prices in England was driven by increases in both London and the South East, where prices increased over the year by 1.7% and 1.2% respectively,” the ONS added.

“Housing market activity and prices were clearly helped early in 2012 by first-time buyers looking to complete before the stamp duty concession ended on 24 March,” said Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight.

He went on to add “The average price of properties bought by first-time buyers was up by 1.3% year-on-year in February (up from an increase of 0.9% in January), while prices were only flat year-on-year in February for properties bought by existing owners,” “Average prices in England are only in the black due to the strength of London, if it weren’t for the capital, the overall house price picture would be a lot less pretty.”

Meanwhile, house prices in Hampshire remain fairly static.

To read more .. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17739966

Summary of Properties for Sale in Hampshire

Total properties for sale in Hampshire:	16,374
Properties for sale in Hampshire listed in the last 14 days:	1,345
Average* price of properties for sale in Hampshire:	£309,384
Average Time on Market (ToM) in Hampshire*:	154 days

Properties for Sale in Hampshire by Price

	No. of properties	Average ToM*
under £100,000	1,168	217 days
£100,000 to £200,000	5,699	146 days
£200,000 to £300,000	4,068	136 days
£300,000 to £400,000	2,249	159 days
£400,000 to £500,000	1,259	160 days
£500,000 to £1,000,000	1,572	168 days
over £1,000,000	359	178 days