Northern Ireland continues to dominate UK house price growth, posting a remarkable 9.6% annual increase in the third quarter according to Nationwide Building Society data. This performance significantly outpaces other UK regions, echoing trends seen in border regions of Ireland in recent quarters. The sustained strength in Northern Ireland's property market stands in stark contrast to more modest growth patterns elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

Wales demonstrated steady improvement with annual house price growth accelerating to 3.0% in the third quarter, up from 2.6% in the previous quarter. The average house price in Wales now stands at £213,359, remaining below the UK average of approximately £272,000. Scotland experienced a slowdown in growth to 2.9% from 4.5% in the second quarter, while England saw further deceleration with annual growth dropping to 1.6% from 2.5% in the previous quarter.

Regional disparities within England reveal a clear north-south divide. Northern England, comprising North, North West, Yorkshire & The Humber, East Midlands and West Midlands, recorded average price growth of 3.4% year-on-year. The North region specifically emerged as England's top performer with prices up 5.1% annually. Meanwhile, Southern England saw growth slow to just 0.7%, driven by marked softening in Outer Metropolitan and Outer South East regions, with the latter being the weakest performing area at just 0.3% growth.

Property type performance shows semi-detached homes leading the market with 3.4% annual price growth, followed by detached properties at 2.5% and terraced homes at 2.4%. Flats experienced a slight decline of 0.3% year-on-year and have shown noticeably weaker growth than other property types over the longer term. Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, noted that despite global economic uncertainties, underlying conditions for potential home buyers remain supportive, with housing market activity likely to strengthen gradually if the broader economic recovery is maintained.

London's Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of an 85-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by a fellow patient at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith. Andrew Farmer, from Ealing in west London, sustained serious injuries during the incident on September 18 and died a week later on September 25, according to police statements released Wednesday.

The investigation centers around an altercation between two patients at the west London hospital, with authorities confirming that 70-year-old Anatoliy Podmazko, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with grievous bodily harm on September 20. Podmazko is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 17 as the case progresses from initial charges to a full murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Kirsten Hadleigh, who is leading the investigation, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with Andrew's family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time. We remain in close contact with Andrew's loved ones and are keeping them up to date with the progress of our investigation." The police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and subsequent death.

Andrew Farmer's partner of 60 years, Paul Wrigley, paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as "my partner through thick and thin for 60 years" and noting his academic achievements as "an Oxford First" who had deep interests in opera, Devon topography, and helping the underprivileged. Wrigley remembered Farmer as "scholarly but with a wry sense of humor" in a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, concluding with "Rest now, my dear friend."