The number of buyers registering with estate agents grew by 18pc in February, the highest figure since a 23pc rise in February 2007, Hometrack said.
But much of this was an "artificial boost", brought about by first-time buyers trying to beat a stamp duty holiday, the study said.
Despite the "seasonal pick-up", house prices remained flat for the second month in a row, with Greater London the only region to record any increase, a 0.1pc rise.
Estate agents and lenders have reported increased interest from first-time buyers as they rush to complete deals before the two-year stamp duty holiday for this sector of the market ends in March.
The greatest increases in first-time buyer numbers were reported in the South East, where they were up by 28pc, and the South West, which recorded a 22pc rise.
Article source - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/mortgages/9107765/House-buyers-return-in-record-numbers.html
Article source - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/mortgages/9107765/House-buyers-return-in-record-numbers.html