The UK House Price Index by the Land Registry provides a dependable gauge of house price trends, relying on actual property sales rather than listing prices. The latest data, reflecting August, shows a modest 0.2% increase in the average UK property price from August 2022 to 2023.

Over the preceding year, there was a remarkable 14% surge in house price growth, signifying a notable deceleration.

Nonetheless, prices continue their ascent, with August's average house price at £291,000, marking an upswing from July.

A significant gap of £99,000 persists between the average prices paid by first-time buyers and those already on the property ladder.

And what about the best time to sell, well if you want to have moved home by Christmas the homeowners alliance say around this week will ensure a sale by the festive season.