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The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released results from their housing market survey, that show house prices have risen for the 6th month in a row. It also states that larger houses have outperformed compared to flats, with pre-1960s 2 and 3 bed houses seeing the largest increases.

For the first quarter of 2006, 15% more Chartered Surveyors said that prices had increased.

The number of properties available has decreased by 10% compared to one year ago, while sales activity has increased by 17%, which has lead to increased competition among buyers.

Jeremy Leaf, RICS spokesman, said: “The rise of house prices suggests a return of confidence to the market boosted by a healthy economic climate. Greater economic wealth has boosted prices for larger properties as buyers remain content to invest for the long term, with a rising stock market not detracting interest in real estate.”

Results from the Land Registry, covering January to March this year, have shown that the average house price was £192,745, 5.05% higher than the first quarter of 2005. The report compares data from the first quarter of this year, to the first quarter of 2005, and shows that, on average, sales were up by 37%. Sales in Greater London had increased by almost 41%.

The largest rises were seen in the North, where average prices increased by over 8%. Prices in the East Midlands however, increased by just 0.7%.

The report also notes that 1032 properties were sold for over £1 million – up from 655 in the same period of 2005.

Halifax have recently announced that house prices rose by 2.0% in April, and by a total of 4.4% in the first four months of 2006.

The annualised rate at 8% is the highest for 13 months. This is due to figures from last year being particularly weak. It also states that housing market activity has risen – currently 15% higher than this time last year.

Chief Economist at Halifax, Martin Ellis, added “Whilst the market may remain relatively buoyant over the coming few months, we expect the recent softening in the labour market and the continuing high level of house prices in relation to earnings to curb demand. Alongside higher utility and council tax bills, these factors should lead house price growth to moderate in the second half of 2006.”

The results from Halifax are somewhat surprising given that Nationwide have recently released data showing house price inflation is slowing.

The Bank of England voted today to keep its interest rate fixed at 4.5%. It has been held constant at 4.5% for 9 months now. The decision was generally expected with little to suggest a move in either direction.

However, with the property market improving, manufacturing seeing an improvement, and energy prices putting pressure on inflation levels, some are predicting an increase before too long – so the interest rate on fixed rate mortgages may start to increase soon.

A recent survey by Halifax Estate Agency has found that some people moving out of properties are taking almost everything possible with them to their new house.

The research has shown that garden plants are the most popular ‘fixed’ items for people to take with them when moving out. More than a quarter of those surveyed said they had taken plants with them when moving.

Light fittings and bulbs were also popular items, along with toilet roll holders and towel rails.

A more extreme item is the house number plaque – often taken as a souvenir. This is not a good thing to be missing when your removal company is attempting to find your new residence!

The Managing Director of Halifax Estate Agency, Colin Kemp, said;

“It would be nice to think that everybody would leave their old homes, as they would wish to find their new ones, but unfortunately this is not always the case – despite the fact that people are only saving themselves a relatively small sum by taking items like light bulbs and house number plaques.

“The key is to ensure that you have documentation stating precisely what will be left behind or taken. Also know your rights when it comes to what constitutes fixtures and fittings.”

So, this should hopefully remind those of you moving in the near future, to make sure all fixtures and fittings are clearly defined as either staying or leaving before the move occurs. This would normally be completed by your conveyancer using a “Fixtures, Fittings and Contents” form.