The activity level within the UK housing market is currently at its highest point in the last six months. Fundamentals within the market have also pushed it to the second highest monthly level ever, according to the latest data. To put this amount in perspective, September experienced just 0.5% fewer valuations than in March of this year, which was the highest level ever recorded, according to Connells Survey & Valuation.

John Bagshaw of Connells commented on the latest data which has come available, saying: “Britain’s housing market is going from strength to strength. Against a brightening economic background, players in all parts of the market are feeling more confident about their prospects. Valuation activity is growing beyond the seasonal pick-up at the end of August, with year-on-year growth gathering momentum.”

First time buyers are also making a resurgence. Valuations completed for the house buying group grew by 25% during the month of September. This month on month growth is optimistic, but not nearly as much as a comparison of the previous year. Valuations were 18% higher this September than the same month last year.

Bagshaw added: “First time buyers aren’t just feeling more confident, they are now following this up with real action and contributing a good portion of growth in the UK housing market. There are no signs yet that schemes such as Help to Buy are going to be phased out, helping to suppress the barriers to setting a first foot on the ladder.”

He continued: “Meanwhile, wages are growing faster than inflation and purchase prices have cooled a little in recent months, all contributing to an acceleration in numbers of first time buyers. Moreover, the latest focus from the government on starter homes is a promising sign there is at least a strong intention to maintain support at the bottom of the ladder.”