House prices rose by 0.3 % in the South East in June, with houses now taking an average of 6.5 weeks to sell.

The figures, from researcher Hometrack's monthly national housing survey reflect the national picture, with UK prices rising by 0.4% in June.

The June figures matched the growth in May, which was the highest increase in a single month since June 2007.

Richard Donnell, director of research at Hometrack, said: "An on-going shortage of housing for sale, continued growth in demand and improving market sentiment are combining to push prices higher.

"Two factors are behind the shortage in supply. First is an increase in the number of first-time buyers who increase demand but add nothing to available supply.

"Secondly exisiting occupiers are looking to identify property they want to buy before putting their homes on the market which boosts demand ahead of any growth in supply."