House price growth remains weak on an underlying basis, despite prices rising by 0.6% in January, according to the latest Halifax House Price Index. Commenting, Martin Ellis, Housing Economist, said: "House prices in the three months to January were 0.9% lower than in the previous three months. Despite the slight downward movement in the underlying trend, prices increased by 0.6% in January. "Notwithstanding monthly fluctuations, the average UK house price is very close to where it was eight months' ago, at around £161,000. The continuing very low level of interest rates has helped to support housing demand, ... (full story)