The housing market had its traditional quiet spell around Christmas, but one report has shown some encouraging signs from December 2018.

In its latest Housing Report, NAEA Propertymark showed that the Number of properties available per member branch was at the highest level for a December in four years. That number – 42 – was up from 35 in November and just down from the 45 available in December of 2014.

That House Hunters are still out there despite Brexit and its attended economic uncertainties was also shown by a rise in the number registered per estate agent. Last month saw a rise to 304 per branch, up from 282 in November and more than a year earlier – there was a 13% year-on-year rise from December 2017.

There was also a slight upturn in the number of properties sold to first-time buyers, who comprised 24% of homes sold. That was 1% up on November, but the year-on-year figure showed a fall of 8%. The average number of sales per branch fell for the third month in a row to five.

“This month’s findings prove that despite the current political climate, people still want to move,” said Mark Hayward, NAEA Propertymark chief executive.

“There is movement in the market with demand from house hunters up 13 per cent year-on-year, and the supply of available properties also rising. Although the number of sales agreed hit a 12-month low, this is something we always see in December, with Christmas festivities typically taking priority over any plans to buy or sell.

“While many are adopting a ‘wait and see’ strategy until there’s further clarity over what Brexit might mean for the market, there is choice for those who want to buy now, and there are people on the market looking for new homes.”

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