Data out of the UK housing market continues to show progress, according to reports from surveyors within the market.  For the third month running, an increase in the number of transactions has transpired causing many to believe the year 2013 could end up being more promising than once projected.  Remortgages have picked up slightly during the New Year but activity remains subdued.

Chris Highton, of Allied Surveyors in the Borders, commented on the status of the market in the New Year, saying: "The market seems to have started with a bit of a flourish after the Christmas break, with replacement home reports being instructed and new properties coming to the market, however prices still remain subdued in most cases."

Thomas Baird, of Select Surveyors in Glasgow, commented on the possibility of this year overtaking 2012 in the amount of activity, saying: "After the traditionally quiet Christmas period there has been a progressive start to the year with a number of home report instructions and the prospects appear to be positive. I would expect to see an increase in business over the same period of last year."

Amongst the fresh activity within the housing market, one thing remains certain; consumer confidence in the market must be present for the market to move forward in a positive direction.

Rics Scotland director Sarah Speirs commented on the pricing of houses within the market, saying: "Price falls across the UK have gradually stemmed in recent months and it is interesting to see that the amount of completed transactions are on the rise, as confidence returns to the marketplace.”

Spiers added: "While it is still very early days to talk about a comprehensive market recovery, activity levels are encouraging and there is some optimism out there that things could continue to improve."