National Association of Estate Agents: said research showed that estate agents had an average of 299 house hunters registered with them during May, the highest level since September 2007, when the market downturn began.

The research also showed that estate agents had sold an average of 10.4 homes each in the month, the highest level since October 2007 and the fifth consecutive monthly rise. In a further positive sign, the proportion of homes sold to first-time buyers soared to 43%, a level last seen in September 2001.

Financial Times