The number of properties that were put up for sale rose by 5.3% from February to the 20-month high. Year-on-year there was a 38.9% increase.
Nationally, the number of houses sold in March was 13.7% less than in February, but was still 5.1% up on March 2009.
Some regions saw significant growth however. Sales in Central England nearly doubled in March growing 94.7%. The West Midlands was up 13.2% followed by the East Midlands with a 10.6% increase. Several regions saw their highest level of house sales for a considerable time. London hit its highest level since October 2007, the East Midlands and the South East had their best months for house sales since April 2008 and Scotland had its best month since May 2008.
Stephen Watson, managing director of Agency Express, said: “Although house sales nationally are down on February it still bodes well for a good Spring for house sellers. February was a bumper month because the bad weather in January subdued activity.
“Eight regions in the UK saw an increase in March sales with several hitting their highest levels for some considerable time. Both London and the South East reported growth which is a good sign for the rest of the country as often activity here triggers activity in the rest of the country.
“Perhaps the most significant sign of optimism is the number of for sale signs that were erected in March. Not only was it up on February, but year-on-year it has grown by just under 40%. With the recent announcement of the increase in the Stamp Duty threshold we can expect greater buoyancy in the housing market over the next couple of months.”
