However, the research indicated that buyers were more likely to haggle over the price they paid for a property.
The bank indicated that 71 per cent of respondents expected house prices to rise – the highest level since April 2004. The number of people looking for a property to increase its value also rose to 25 per cent, from 20 per cent in November 2005.
In addition, it admitted a growing number of borrowers were willing to try their luck with a low offer, with 21 per cent admitting they would make a low initial offer, before increasing it if necessary. 12 per cent indicated that they would immediately offer above the asking price on a property.
Gary Lumby, head of retail at Yorkshire Bank, said: “Last year the market exceeded most expectations and it appears the confidence homeowners took from this has continued.”
He added: “Buyers looking for properties they can do up are trying their luck with lower initial offers, and only raising them if necessary. Should these low offers be accepted, we may see prices leveling off.”
Simon Chalk, mortgage planner at Mortgage Portfolio Services, said: “From anecdotal evidence people are now getting closer to the asking price, after offering above it towards the end of last year.”
