House sales are looking up according to the latest housing market survey from RICS.
At the end of last year 24% more UK surveyors predicted sales to rise over the next four months. This new found confidence comes as the market steadily gains strength in some parts of the country.
RICS forecast house prices to rise by 2% during 2013. Is it too early to say that the industry has seen off the worst?
Prices remained stable in December. This is the first quarter when respondents to the market survey have not predicted further drops since summer 2010.
Peter Bolton King, RICS Global Residential Director said: "As we start the new year confidence to the housing market does appear to be improving, helped in part by the impact of the Funding for Leading Scheme. Indeed, our members are predicting that transaction levels will continue increasing in many parts of the country and it may be that we are now over the very worst.
"That said, more still needs to be done to ensure potential buyers can access the market at every level. Alongside this, there is still a clear need for more homes to be built."