The number of people selling their homes rose in March to its highest level in six months, according to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

The average number of properties for sale per branch increased from 56 in February to 60 in March. This is the highest figure since September last year.

The arrival of Spring also brought an influx of new house hunters to the market. In March, 274 people registered per branch, compared to 258 in February, an increase of seven per cent.

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The number of sales agreed also increased, from an average of seven per branch to eight. The percentage of sales to first time buyers (FTBs) decreased slightly from 24 per cent in February to 23 per cent in this month .

President of the NAEA, Gary Smith, said: "Spring has finally arrived and brought with it a much needed boost to the housing market, particularly amongst sellers.

"This figure has been low in recent months and this is a welcome indication that reflects a growing confidence that the recovery is well underway."

(CD/GK)