Portal's latest data release also shows the number of homes for sale a fifth higher than a year ago, although prices have yet to react to this.

Andrew Cronan was a Director in the agency’s Country House Department before he decided to try his hand at buying rather than selling.

The total number of homes for sale has reached a six-year high with higher mortgage rates helping to stoke the current buyer’s market.

Powys in Wales has seen the strongest growth over the last 12 months, East Lindsey tops the list for England and Moray takes Scotish crown.

Largest house price falls are concentrated in Southern England towns including Colchester (-3.5%), Canterbury (-3.4%) and Luton (-3.3%).