House prices in the UK rose by 0.2% in April, according to figures released by the Land Registerty.

The data means that the annual rate of increase has risen to 8.5%. Separate data from financial information service Moneyfacts showed that the number of mortgage deals on offer has risen again.

There were were 2,191 deals available at the start of June, requiring down-payments of between 0% and 40% of the value of the home being purchased.

"Lenders continue to ease their criteria and average rates still fall as competition for a limited amount of mortgage business gathers pace," said Darren Cook of Moneyfacts.