This is according to Communities and Local Government data which also showed the average mix-adjusted UK house price was £205,565 in March.
Average house prices were 0.5% lower over the quarter to March, compared to a quarterly decrease of 0.4% over the quarter to December.
Average prices increased during the year in England (1.3%) but decreased in Scotland (-0.7%), Wales (-2.5%) and Northern Ireland (-13.9%)
Prices paid by first time buyers were 0.3% lower on average than a year earlier and prices paid by former owner occupiers increased by 1.4%.
Average house prices increased in four of the nine English regions over the year to March 2011. The largest increase was in London (5.6%) and the smallest was in the East Midlands (0.9%). The North East saw the largest annual fall (-5.3%).
The average price for properties bought by first time buyers decreased by 0.3% to £150,011 over the year to March 2011, compared to an annual increase of 0.5% in February. During March prices paid by first time buyers did not change over the month, compared to a 0.7% monthly increase in March last year.
The average price of properties bought by former owner occupiers increased by 1.4% to £239,813 over the year to March 2011, compared to an annual increase of 0.5% in February. During March prices paid by former owner occupiers rose by 1.6% on average, compared to a 0.4% increase in March last year.
Nicholas Ayre, director, UK buying agent Home Fusion, said: "There is neither rhyme nor reason to the property market at present.
"Against a still grim economic backdrop, prices overall, according to this latest data, have risen over the past month and year respectively.
"What the CLG data underlines categorically is the stark regional variations in prices.
"Prices in London, where supply is tight and demand relatively strong, are the polar opposite to those in Wales and Northern Ireland.
"The property market, very clearly, has fragmented into a series of micro-markets. It could be many years before we see the return of a property market that trends at a national level."
