The housing market is continuing to improve in 2006 with prices rising for the sixth month in a row according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

“The rise of house prices suggests a return of confidence to the market boosted by a healthy economic climate,” said RICS spokesman Jeremy Leaf. “Enquiries from buyers also rose, for a record 11th month in a row, and sales were up 17% on a year ago.”

Essex-based estate agent John Cornell also noted rising confidence in the market. “These figures tie in with others from respected commentators like Nationwide, Halifax and the Land Registry,” he said.

“Certainly our sales are up significantly on a year ago and around here the market is currently very buoyant indeed. I know from colleagues that the same is true across the South East, so this is a positive time for the local housing market.”