House sales numbers hit 14 month high

There was an increase of almost 20 per cent in the number of sold signs instructed by estate agents last month compared to May. In fact, last month's figures were the highest seen since April 2008.

Year-on-year sales showed an even greater gulf, with a 36.3 per cent increase in June 2009 compared to June 2008.

Every region across the UK recorded an increase in house sales in the month, with the exception of Wales where activity levels remained static from May.

The West Midlands was the region that recorded the biggest increase in the number of for sale boards moving to sold status, with a massive rise of 58.7 per cent. Yorkshire and London followed, with rises of 26 per cent and 25.4 per cent respectively

"Our index shows that there are grounds for continuing optimism that we have seen the bottom of the market," commented managing director at Agency Express, Stephen Watson.

"Confidence is definitely returning and we have seen a step-change in the number of properties being sold right across the UK."