The typical UK home cost now sits at £288,949, compared with £288,781 in March.

In national terms within the UK, Northern Ireland performed the best with a 3.4% increase in annual terms, despite a decline from its 4.1% growth in March, with properties in Northern Ireland now costing an average of £192,502.

Welsh property price growth decreased to 1.1% in April from 1.9% in March, with the average home now costing £218,775, while Scottish house prices increased by 1.5% year-on-year, now standing at £204,579.

In England the North West saw the strongest annual growth with a 3.3% increase, with prices now at £231,599, while properties in Eastern England saw the largest decline with a fall of 1.1% with average prices being £329,723.

London remained the most expensive region with prices at £539,336, with prices in the capital rising by 0.1% over the past year.

Industry professionals have given their say on the latest Halifax HPI

Gareth Lewis, managing director at MT Finance:

“The housing market desperately needs some stimulus, giving buyers and sellers more confidence to transact.

“The slight uptick in prices compared with March suggests there is a level of confidence in the market but it only goes so far with not enough properties coming to market or buyers able and willing to transact.

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“The housing market is a work in progress — prices haven’t fallen off a cliff, which is encouraging, but some form of stamp duty stimulus would really boost activity and transaction numbers, which are far more important than prices."

James Briggs, head of intermediary sales at Together:

“The latest house price growth figures indicate that the property market is on the up, and with the Bank of England’s interest rate decision coming imminently, many will be hoping for a base rate drop to further boost confidence and the wider economy.

“Regardless of the BoE’s decision, there will still be a considerable cohort who are in a position to press ahead with property plans, taking advantage of alternative ways to secure the finance if they need to do so.”

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Antony Roberts:

“Our offices are busier, with a significant uplift in viewings.

 “Well-finished properties are having the most appeal, due to uncertain building costs and the difficulties in finding a builder in the first place.

“First-time buyers in particular are finding it difficult to raise deposits and are relying on the Bank of Mum and Dad more than ever to buy, especially in London.

“We expect the housing market to continue to strengthen until the summer, subject to no snap general election being called or mortgage rates rising too significantly."