Average house prices increased 1.8% in May, the biggest monthly increase seen this year in what Rightmove says is a delayed response to increased activity at the start of 2023.

The online property portal says prices rose to £372,894 in May, which is also 1.5% higher than the same month last year.

It said the 1.8% monthly rise is “significantly higher than the historic average in May of 1%.”