House prices rose by a huge 2.5% in January according to Land Registry.
The rise represents more than a third of the total price rise for the twelve months to the end of January, which is reported to be 7.1%.
Many commentators expected to see a rush on the purchase of buy-to-let properties ahead of the 3% SDLT surcharge to be introduced in six weeks time.
The full Land Registry House Price Index will be published in ten days time.
