LONDON (Reuters) -British house prices rose 0.3% in August, a third consecutive monthly increase that leaves them 2.2% higher than a year earlier, figures published by mortgage lender Halifax showed on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast prices would rise 0.1% on the month and be 2% higher than the year before.

British house prices have been rising more slowly than consumer price inflation in recent months, after a surge in the first quarter of this year when buyers sought to take advantage of the final months of a tax break on property purchases.

“While the wider economic picture remains uncertain, the housing market has shown over recent years that it can take these challenges in its stride,” said Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages at Halifax.

“Supported by improving affo

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