Topic: UK house prices rise unexpectedly in July
The average price increased to £167,425 from £166,351 and followed falls in the previous three months - including a 0.6pc fall in June. The rise beat economists' forecasts of a 0.3pc fall in July.
"The mixed pattern of monthly rises and falls over the first seven months of the year is consistent with a slowing market," said Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax.