//
According to statistics from the building society, the values of UK homes have risen for the second time in three months, with the average property now costing £154,016.
The figures, which may be of interest to those involved in stock market trading, show that the firm's monthly house price index has also increased, rising to 304.6 from 300.9 in April.
Chief economist Martin Gahbauer noted that the statistics provide "further evidence" that conditions in the property sector are beginning to improve.
However, he was wary of predicting a full-scale recovery, stating: "It is still too early to say that the market is turning definitively".
Following the announcement, Peter Bolton King of the National Association of Estate Agents called on the government to "do all it can" to maintain the positive figures.
