The average cost of a home in England and Wales rose by just 5.3% during the 12 months to the end of February, the slowest rate of gain since July 2006, according to the Land Registry.
At the same time monthly house price growth stalled, with the average value of a property remaining unchanged at £185,616.
The overall figure masked more gloomy regional variations, with house prices falling in seven out of 10 regions during the month.
