The NAEA is encouraged by that the number of first time buyers rose to 10.8 per cent, while the average number of people looking to buy and sell properties increased – suggesting that people are making a tentative return to the market.
The survey also showed an incremental rise in house prices – this should be regarded as a statistical outlier – hopefully indicative that in particular areas the fall in prices is slowing, but not to be taken as a sign that nationally, prices have bottomed out.
KEY FINDINGS
• Number of sales agreed per agent held steady at six in December, despite it being a traditionally quiet month
• The number of first time buyers (FTBs) increased slightly, to make up an average of 10.8 per cent of buyers,
• Average number of properties available for sale rose from an average of 87 in November to 100 in December
• Number of house hunters registered with estate agents rose from 186 in November to 200 in December
• Survey of members showed a slight rise in house prices of all type between November and December
