Money Tips Daily By Charles Kelly, Former Ifa And Author Of Yes, Money Can Buy You Happiness.

House prices hit a new high in June, according to Halifax, despite expectations the rising cost of living in the UK would slow demand. The UK’s biggest mortgage lender said the average house price reached £294,845 in June after rising by 1.8% - the steepest monthly increase since 2007. Halifax sighted a “lack of available homes” for sale was lifting prices as well as a shift towards people buying larger, detached homes, which rose by over 13% in the last year. But it expects price growth will slow, as interest rates rise and soaring prices hits people’s pocket harder this year. Petrol remains high and average household energy bills are set to exceed £3000 this year – a rise of nearly 300%! Northern Ireland saw the largest rise in house prices, with an increase of 15.2% in the year to June to take the average to £187,833. Wales also recorded sharp growth of 14.3% to £219,281. The average house price in Scotland also hit a new record, rising 9.9% over the year to £201,549, "breaking through £200,000 for the fir