The latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors survey has found that interest from potential buyers is growing as new inquiries jump to a two-year high. However, sales remain at their lowest level since 1978. Agents are blaming the lack of available mortgage finance, particularly amongst first-time buyers, and are calling for the government to intervene to guarantee the issuance of new residential mortgage-backed securities to give the market impetus. In February, 20 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise than a fall in new buyer inquiries, up from 15 per cent in January; while the average number of transactions per agency during the last three months is now 9.5, down from 9.8 in November.
