Buyer enthusiasm 'growing'

16 April 2009

Homeowners who have added a conservatory or glazed kitchen extension to their property in the hope of attracting bids may soon see the benefits following the release of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) figures showing an increased interest in buying.

Enthusiasm continued to grow in March, with the Rics UK housing market survey showing 31 per cent more chartered surveyors reporting a rise than those showing a fall in interest.

This is up from 21 per cent in February and interest is strong in every region.

Spokesperson Ian Perry explained while interest is gaining momentum, purchasers are likely to remain frustrated by a lack of mortgage finance.

"Surveyors are optimistic that transaction levels will increase, especially for those with the finance to purchase family homes," he said, adding that first-time buyers may find it difficult to get a food on the property ladder until loan-to values change.

Moneysupermarket.com recently reported a rise in the number of rejections for vetted mortgage applications.

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