The Halifax Housing Market Confidence Tracker saw house price optimism rebound last month as inflation continued to fall and the expectation of an interest rate rise receded further.

February saw a rallying of house price optimism (HPO*) among consumers, from an 18 month low of +52 at the start of the year to +60 in February (+62 December 2014).

This optimism is reflected in the outlook for both buyers and sellers, with buying sentiment up to its highest level since the Confidence Tracker launched in 2011 at net +35. At the same time selling sentiment has reached an all-time high and now stands at +27.

However, 57% predict flat or modest house price increases of less than 5% at best over the next 12 months. And despite inflation falling to 0% in February and various MPC members saying the next interest rate move is as likely to be down as it is up, 43% of consumers believe mortgage interest rates will be higher than they are now in a year’s time.

Craig McKinlay, mortgages director at Halifax, said: “With inflation now at its lowest level since records began and the chances of the next interest rates change reportedly just as likely to be down as up, consumers are feeling more optimistic about the housing market again.

“The traditional slow start to the year for the housing market has already begun to give way to increased activity, but consumers remain relatively cautious. For sustainable long-term growth we need a period of stable growth and a more comprehensive house-building programme.”