Increasing activity from buy-to-let investors was behind a surge in housing market activity in September, according to research by Connells Survey and Valuation.

The total number of residential property valuations conducted in September was up by 25% compared to August, driven by largely driven by an increase in buy-to-let activity, which rose by 59% compared to August.

Overall activity fell slightly year-on-year, with total valuations down by 1% compared to September 2009.

Ross Bowen, managing director of Connells Survey and Valuation, said: “Market activity levels will suffer by comparison to the distorted market in late 2009