Home sales hit six-month high: NAEA

The number of people selling their homes rose in March to its highest level in six months, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

The average number of properties for sale per branch increased from 56 in February to 60 in March. This is the highest figure since September 2009.

Meanwhile, the arrival of spring also brought an influx of new house hunters to the market. In March, 274 people registered per branch compared to 258 in February; an increase of 7%.

Number of sales agreed also increased, from an average of seven per branch to eight. However, the percentage of sales to first-time buyers decreased slightly from 24% in February to 23% in March.

Gary Smith, president of the NAEA, says: "Spring has finally arrived and brought with it a much needed boost to the housing market, particularly among sellers. This figure has been low in recent months and this is a welcome indication that reflects a growing confidence that the recovery is well underway."