The March 2016 RICS Residential Market Survey highlights a noticeable softening in near term sales expectations. This follows a rush of buyers looking to avoid the additional Stamp Duty surcharge (on second home and buy-to-let purchasers) introduced in April. Meanwhile, the recent improvement in new instructions stalled during March as tight market conditions persist. House prices continue to rise on the back of this, with a net balance of +42% more surveyors nationally noting increasing prices (as opposed to falling) in the latest results.
Source : RICS