RICS survey shows that prices and sales rose in recent months

The UK housing market is seeing a revival in sales and prices, according to the latest monthly survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

In April, 17% more surveyors surveyed said prices were rising than falling, up from 9% in March.

Sales have also picked up slightly, with surveyors selling an average of 17.4 homes over the three months to the end of April.

The rise in the number of homes for sale was again greater than the increase in new buyer enquiries, which may suggest prices could fall in the coming months.

But the RICS said its members were optimistic. Spokesman Jeremy Leaf said: "Surveyors are expecting an increase in both sales and house prices. The housing market often sees an increase in new instructions in the early part of the year with sales boosted in the spring and this year has been no exception."

Prices have, however, been subject to considerable regional variation. They have been rising fastest in London and the South East, but are falling in Yorkshire, Humberside, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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