The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed house price annual inflation was 5.6% in England, 0.3% in Wales, 7.4% in Northern Ireland and -1.3% in Scotland.
Annual house price increases in England were driven by an annual increase in the East (8.3%) and the South East (6.7%).
Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 4.4% in the 12 months to July 2015.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices increased by 0.8% between June and July 2015.
In July 2015, prices paid by first-time buyers were 4.4% higher on average than in July 2014.
For owner-occupiers (existing owners), prices increased by 5.5% for the same period.
