ODPM: House Price Index - November 2003

* The mix-adjusted average house price in the UK in November 2003 stood at £159,480, down from £161,567 in October (not seasonally adjusted).

* UK annual house price inflation in November 2003 was 9.7 per cent, down from 12.1 per cent in October.

* Annual house price inflation in London was 5.2 per cent in November 2003, down from 6.2 per cent in October.

For full graphs and tables go to www.odpm.gov.uk/pns/newslist.cgi

HOUSE PRICE INFLATION: REGIONAL

The UK house price inflation rate fell from 12.1 per cent in October to 9.7 per cent in November. This was because of a 1.1% fall in prices between October and November this year, compared with a 1.0% increase over the same period last year.

All four home countries saw a decline in annual inflation, although inflation in Wales, at 19.6 per cent, and in Scotland, at 16.1 per cent, remains higher than in England.

Annual inflation in England fell from 11.6 per cent in October to 9.2 per cent in November, and this decrease was reflected in all the English regions. Average inflation in the North East, at 19.6 per cent and the North West at 17.6 per cent, remain substantially higher than in the rest of England. By contrast, inflation in London, the East, the South East and South West were all under 10 per cent, with the lowest rate shown in London, at 5.2 per cent.

HOUSE PRICES: REGIONAL

By country, the mix-adjusted average house prices in November were £169,567 in England, £111,196 in Wales, £98,672 in Scotland and £101,832 in Northern Ireland.

The English region with the highest average house price in November was London at £241,385. The lowest average price was in the North East at £101,493.

Only the East, London, South East and the South West had average prices above the UK average.

HOUSE PRICE INFLATION: TYPE OF BUYER

The UK house price inflation rate for first time buyers fell to 7.3 per cent in November from 10.5 per cent in October. The inflation rate for former owner occupiers also fell, from 13.1 per cent in October to 11.1 per cent in November. This is the lowest rate seen this year, and compares with a rate of 25.8 per cent seen in April.

The average house price in the UK for first time buyers stood at £124,346 in November, while the average price paid by former owner occupiers stood at £183,103.