Changes make searching and comparing house price data for the UK easier

New functionality and data has been added to the House Price Index search tool and monthly reports to help users identify changing house price trends across the UK more easily with the changes put in place in response to feedback from customers.

People can now compare average house prices in up to five separate locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by county, region or local authority.

They can also get insight into market trend activity going back to 1968 by accessing historic data about the funding status, buyer status and property status information and get search results as a table or graph.

For frequent users there is the ability to retrieve search criteria at a later date by bookmarking different stages of searches and download the data for the specific breakdown or all the data in the search results, in comma-separated (CSV) format.

A spokesman said:

‘We have added links in the published reports, so that users can download the data tables from the report itself in CSV format. This function benefits users who want to use the data without creating bespoke queries or accessing the full background files.

‘This change is part of the work being undertaken to improve our users’ experience of the UK HPI. Since its launch in June 2016 HM Land Registry and partners have started a programme of enhancements and updates. This has resulted in more available data, improved accuracy and extra commentaries in the reports.’

In November 2017, the Office for Statistics Regulation confirmed the UK House Price Index will be awarded National Statistics status when some requirements are met. These enhancements fulfil an element of those requirements.