House prices rose for the 13th consecutive month in January as annual inflation jumped to 8.8pc, according to the Nationwide building society. First-time buyers are said to have contributed significantly to the rise in prices, as they returned to the market in force, leading to a total rise of 0.7pc in January alone.
The number of properties on the market in the UK has dropped to the lowest level since the recession ended, as prices continue to rise. February 2007 was the last time fewer homes were for sale, with an average of 58 available per estate agency in January, compared to 64 in the same period a year ago, according to Rightmove.
The number of UK homes being sold has risen by 24% over the last year, with sales in November reaching the highest levels since December 2009.
HM Revenue and Customs figures shown that 96,979 flats or houses were sold in November, with these figures being further complimented by figures from the British Bankers Association (BBA) that claimed new mortgage approvals rose by 39% over the year.
The number of people who have fallen behind on their rent is now at a five year low, making this the healthiest month since this particular data was first recorded in November 2008.
LSL Property services claimed that late rent fell by £49 million between September and October, to 7.1% of total rent in England and Wales, compared with 8.5% in October.
House prices have continued to rise for the ninth consecutive month. The average price increased by 0.7% in October to almost £172,000, creating an annual increase of 6.9%.
Despite this, price and demand is still yet to hit the same levels seen during the housing boom in 2007.
The renewed faith in the housing market has been reflected by reports from the Halifax that house prices are rising at their fastest rate in three years due to increasing demand for properties.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) has argued that the Bank of England should cap house price rises at 5% to prevent another housing bubble.
Rics has warned that house prices are rising at their fastest levels since their peak in 2006, raising fears that the market could need 'calming'
The number of mortgages advanced to first time buyers in July has increased by a huge 41% compared to a year ago and 5% in comparison to last June; reflecting recent reports of increased activity in the housing market.
Housing developer Barratt's has claimed the recovery of the housing market is 'spreading beyond London and the South East,' supporting claims from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), who have also maintained a similar increase in the housing market outside of London and the South East is evident.
The increase in the number of people buying property in the UK, especially first-time buyers, has meant that the cost of renting has stopped rising as aggressively.
This is according to a survey commissioned by LSL Property Services, which revealed that the average monthly bill in England and Wales is unchanged since May, and stands at £737