Oldham saw the highest percentage of houses increase in price during the first half of the year, analysis from a property website has indicated.

According to Zoopla, an estimated 15 million UK homes have increased in value by more than one per cent in the first half of 2024, adding £2,400 typically to their value.

The analysis has found that of all the towns and cities across the UK, Oldham saw the highest percentage of homes which increased in value by at least one per cent, with 83 per cent of the borough's homes in total.

The average house price in Oldham is £176,400, with the average change in the prices of houses increasing by 3.9 per cent in the past six months, which in cash terms meant an average of £7,100.

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Wakefield and Durham came second and third for areas which saw the highest percentage of homes which increased in value by at least one per cent, with 77 per cent and 76 per cent respectively.

Zoopla's analysis showed towns and cities in northern England are particularly likely to have experienced house price gains over the first half of 2024.

Alistair Stevens, director of his namesake estate agency in Oldham, said: "I am able to agree with the report, and we have found the sales market fairly buoyant over the first half of the year, in particular the lower end, with terraces proving popular with first time buyers.

"They appear to be assessing that a mortgage can prove more affordable than the high rents they have been faced with, as well as a major shortfall in the supply of suitable rental accommodation.

"I would suggest the higher priced properties.

"In this area it is still proving challenging to achieve sales, with the higher interest rates not helping particularly in the £250,000 plus range."

Izabella Lubowiecka, a senior property researcher at Zoopla said: “Growing buyer confidence and a rising volume of transactions in the first half of 2024 are translating into firmer home values.

“Half of UK homeowners registered value increases this year – the highest proportion since December 2022. For many homeowners, equity gains are an important part of unlocking their next home move.”