HOUSE sales in Yorkshire beat the national average ( Leeds / Wakefield )

HOUSE sales in Yorkshire beat the national average according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors UK housing market survey.

The average number of transactions per surveyor in Yorkshire and the Humber over the last three months was just 15 - but the figure was higher than the national average of 11.5, the survey said.However, David Pank, Sales and Marketing Director with leeds and Wakefild estate Agents reveals that the average for aManning stainton branch was over 36 house sales over the same period.Well over double the average for the area.

Royal institution of chartered Surveyors said that the lack of mortgage finance continued to stifle the ability of buyers to access the market, which was reflected in a further drop in transactions across the country over the past three months to the lowest figure since the survey began in 1978. However, RICS said one glimmer of hope in the market was that demand from buyers is rising.

London was the worst hit UK region with estate agents reporting only eight sales on average over the past three months, compared to 15 in the Yorkshire region.

Jim Spencer, RICS' residential spokesman for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “It’s encouraging to see that sales here in our region are better than the national average, but it’s clear that we still have a way to go before the market picks up. We’re still desperately short of finance packages and the lack of confidence remains a real barrier, but if people are in a position to buy they can negotiate harder and get a lot more for their money.

“Low property prices make it a good time to buy, and first time buyers have most to gain by the recent downward adjustment in prices - if they can get mortgage finance, they have a wide choice at a good discount.

"But while the banks are not making the funds available at attractive rates and cost of living continues to rise, the people who can afford to move will remain in the minority.” 

The survey said property demand improved in Yorkshire and the Humber, where 21% more chartered surveyors reported a fall rather than a rise in new buyer enquires compared to 29% in August.

RICS UK spokesperson Ian Perry said: “The recent turmoil in the financial markets has dented confidence further and there is no expectation that lending criteria will be loosened as money becomes even scarcer and the number of lenders diminishes.

"The housing market continues to hold its b reath awaiting the trigger which will kick start transactions. Unless mortgage liquidity improves, the market is likely to remain a dormant beast for some time to come.”