House prices are set to rise in February and March, with the Midlands and northern England expected to see the strongest gains, according to a leading property expert.
The housing pro has predicted home values will increase across multiple regions in the coming weeks.
The forecast comes as the UK housing market continues to show signs of recovery and three areas could benefit the most from the price rises.
House prices have risen for five consecutive months, with January marking the latest increase in the streak.
According to Nationwide's monthly tracker, the average UK home now costs £268,213.
The latest monthly increase of 0.1 per cent was smaller than December's 0.7 per cent rise and November's 1.2 per cent increase.
The annual rate of house price growth has slowed to 4.1 per cent, down from 4.7 per cent in December.
CEO of north-west based Mistoria Estate Agents Mishantha Liyanage said: "As we move into February, the housing market is continuing to tread a cautious path, with property prices showing only marginal growth as affordability challenges persist.
"Property prices are stabilising, but affordability remains a key challenge. While some regions are seeing stronger buyer demand, higher borrowing costs continue to limit purchasing power across the market."
The expert added price rises in both February and March across many regions, though not at double-digit levels.
He said: "With key policy changes on the horizon, pricing trends will depend largely on how lending conditions evolve in the coming months."
The 4.7 per cent annual growth rate recorded in December was the strongest since October 2022 and three regions could benefit the most.
The expert continued: "While the overall market faces affordability constraints, I expect property values in the Midlands, northern England, and many parts of Scotland will see the stronger gains in February and March."
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"These areas offer a more sustainable balance between wages and housing costs.
"The combination of steeper mortgage costs and higher living expenses is expected to limit growth, leaving these markets more vulnerable to affordability pressures."
The property expert emphasised that the market currently sits between "short-lived boosts and persistent affordability headwinds".
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