Its market report showed that the average number of available properties per estate agent rose to 70 in February, up from 69 in January and 56 for the same period last year.
In addition, house hunters reached a seven-month high, with 268 registering with each agent in February compared to 252 the previous month, while average sales per agent increased from six to eight month-on-month.
However, the NAEA said that the generally positive figures belie widespread regional variations across the country.
Meanwhile, the proportion of sales to first-time buyers increased slightly to 25% in February, up from 24% the previous month.
Michael Jones, president of the NAEA, said the boost in activity was encouraging news, with signs suggesting sellers are becoming more realistic about pricing.
However, he added: “The picture is still very variable across the UK with agents reporting much higher growth in enquiries and stock availability in some regions than others.
“Undoubtedly, broader economic constraints on spending continue to impact on consumer confidence, especially at a first-time buyer level, and the effect of the public sector cuts has yet to be fully felt.
“With limited mortgage availability and the concern about a likely rise in interest rates still putting off many of the people who otherwise would be looking to buy, it is important that the government does everything it can to encourage growth at this crucial stage of the recovery process.”
