House buyers throughout the country have once again set their sights on a new home, as member offices of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors report a big upsurge in new enquires, according to the latest RICS residential housing survey, published today.

The growth in new enquiries reflects general optimism from buyers as the economy continues to hold firm, interest rates remain low and the stock markets recover from the autumn downturn.

More chartered surveyor estate agents reported price rises than in the previous month, with the difference between those reporting a rise against those reporting a fall at 13%, up from 2% the previous month.

Average completed sales for the month per contributor remained the same as in November at 36, but still 6% up on three months before. The average number of houses on contributors' books rose by two to 76, reflecting the fact that the increase in enquiries had yet to be turned into firm sales.

Chartered surveyors in the northern regions of England were reporting the biggest increases in prices, Yorkshire/Humberside leading the way with the difference between those reporting a rise in prices against those reporting a fall at 51%. The North West reported a figure of 42%, and the North East 36%.

The price falls reported toward the end of 2001in London and the South East have come to an end, with South East prices stabilising. The difference reported between price falls and price rises being 1%. In London the rate of price falls slowed considerably with the difference between price falls and price rises at 6%, markedly down from the 33% falls reported in November.

RICS national housing spokesman, Ian Perry, said: "There has obviously been a period of wait and see for potential buyers. People are confident enough in the economic climate to take the decision to start the lengthy process of buying a new home, whether first time buyers or people seeking to move up the housing chain. The price increases of last year have not proved to be a big deterrent. But the slowdown in the market in the past few months has suggested that buyers are nevertheless being careful, and realistic pricing does pay."