11th March 2009
The latest data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) shows that February saw interest from property investors continue to rise for the fourth month in a row.

Rics UK housing market survey shows that enthusiasm and confidence continue to increase as 20 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise rather than a fall in new buyer enquiries during the month.

This is up five percentage points from the level seen in January and London and the south-east of England are leading, with the capital hitting levels not seen since October 2006.

However, mortgage lenders are still letting down potential property investors which means "transaction levels are likely to remain close to all-time lows", according to Rics spokesperson Jeremy Leaf.

"Family homes remain in demand but flats are proving harder to sell in many areas as first-time buyers are struggling to gain a foothold on the property ladder," he said.

The government has opted for quantitative easing - printing more money - in a bid to go round bank' refusal to lend.



<< Back to News