House price inflation rose to 5.6% in May 2006, up from 5.1% the month prior, according to official governmental figures.

The Department for Communities and Local Government reveals that the latest increase pushed the average house price to £190,051 in May up from £188,290 reported for April.

Property price inflation accelerated in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland but tapered off in Wales, the DCLG said.

House price inflation was strongest in London (up 7.1%).

Howard Archer, economist at Global Insight said: "We expect house prices to settle back into an extended period of relatively modest rises.

"Already stretched affordability has been adversely affected in recent months by house price inflation moving back well above average earnings growth, and affordability will be pressurized further over the coming months by modest earnings growth and markedly increased utility bills."