Number of house sales is increasing

Three bedroom semi-detached properties are selling the fastest

The number of house sales in the UK rose slightly during February, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)

The association's latest figures show an increase in the number of homes sold during February with eight sales per branch compared with seven in January, reaching a three month high.

February also saw an increase in the supply of houses, with the average number of properties per NAEA branch increasing from 56 in January to 58 in February. First time buyers entering the housing market dropped slightly from 25 per cent in January to 24 per cent in February.

President of the NAEA Mark Hayward, said: "These latest figures for February indicate not only that serious househunters remain in the market, but that sellers are getting more confident that they can secure a sale in the current climate. It is important however that the housing industry, major lenders and Government continue to work together to look at more ways to offer support to prospective homeowners."

The latest data from Move with Us suggests that three bedroom semi-detached properties are selling the fastest.

Robin King, Director at Move with Us, said: “The move cycle has increased and homeowners are staying in their properties for much longer. As a result, we are likely to see a trend emerging over the next 12 months or so of first time buyers who are looking for a three bedroom property rather than flat or a smaller house.

“The next generation of first time buyers are opting to stay living with their parents for longer so that they can save up larger deposits and move into properties that they can grow into over the next 10 years or so. Three bedroom semi-detached properties have always been one of the most popular choices for families as well as the buy to let market and as such have always proven to be a solid investment.”