The National Association of Estate Agent’s market report for January suggests that despite some of the worst weather on record the number of houses sold by the average agent increased month on month. The average agent sold six properties in January compared to five in December.

The number of people registering with estate agents to buy property also increased, from 251 in December to 291 in January. This also shows a 12-month improvement – the number of registered house hunters per agent in January 2009 was 242.

In contrast the number of houses available for sale fell from 59 per branch in December to 55 per branch in January.

The percentage of sales made to first time buyers also increased from 19% in December 2009 to 23% last month.

President of the NAEA, Gary Smith, said: “Our figures suggest that concerns expressed about the prospects for the market in 2010 may prove unfounded.