The number of insolvencies in the UK property sector increased slightly in May to 108, Experian has calculated.

The research company said the number of real estate sector insolvencies was up from May 2012, when 95 were recorded.

However, during the same period, building and construction insolvencies fell from 0.18%, to 0.14%.

Across the whole of the UK, the business insolvency rate maintained its low level of 0.08% for the fourth month running, and down from 0.09% in May 2012.

Only the South East saw a minor increase in its insolvency rate – from 0.07% to 0.08%.

Max Firth, managing director, Experian Business Information Services, UK & Ireland, said: “Building and construction firms can take heart at the drop off in insolvencies after a particularly difficult period.”