Annual UK house prices rose again at the beginning of 2006, according to new government figures.

Data from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) reveal that house prices rose by 4.3% in January compared to the same time in 2005, higher than the 2.9% gain recorded in December.

Nationwide Building Society reported annual house price gain of 4.4% in January while Halifax reported a 5.1% increase.