Connells Survey & Valuation has reported its fourth consecutive month of annual growth in valuation activity, adding that continuation of this trend could represent a “sustained recovery”.

In its latest Housing Market Activity Report, Connells said the number of residential valuations it conducted in January rose by 39% on an annual basis. This followed a particularly strong monthly recovery from the festive period, with a 16% increase in total valuations activity since December.

“By any measure, 2013 has got off to a positive start,” said John Bagshaw, corporate services director of Connells Survey & Valuation.

“We normally see a gradual recovery from the festive hiatus, but January’s valuations market has come bouncing back. Credit conditions have shown signs of easing in the New Year and those first time buyers that can are taking advantage, boosting overall activity.”

Connells said first time buyers were key to the strong overall growth seen in January, making up one third of the total valuations market for the first time since June. Valuations on behalf of first time buyers grew by 24% from December. In a fifth month of annual growth, there were 40% more new buyers than in January 2012.

“A succession of months like January could start to feel like a sustained recovery for anyone hoping to buy their first home,” said Bagshaw. “A combination of strong buyer demand and improving competition among lenders at the bottom of the market has been central to progress. It’s also encouraging that we’re seeing lenders innovate with new products to try and unlock the first time buyer market.

“But even if higher LTV mortgages are increasingly available, this is only one half of the equation. A more attractive savings market will be vital to sustained growth in new buyers. At the same time as providing assistance for those who have a deposit, Funding for Lending is damaging savings rates and leaving potential new buyers exposed to inflation.”

January saw a 6% monthly increase in valuations for home movers. On an annual basis, this contributed to 40% growth in home-moving activity. Remortgaging also bounced back strongly in January, with a 29% monthly increase, putting remortgaging valuations 31% higher than a year ago.

Bagshaw added: “For potential movers with significant equity, the current mortgage market is an increasingly friendly place. The greatest beneficiaries of record low Bank rates are those who are looking for a lower loan to value ratio, as risk-averse lenders have targeted them to consolidate their balance sheets. With the impact of Funding for Lending, rates for these borrowers have fallen even further.

“Established homeowners have also been looking for a better deal without moving home, and may have sprung into action at the end of the festive season. Fixed rates are still falling as cheaper FLS funds filter through, and tracker rates remain historically low. While SVRs are a long way from the highs they saw in 2007, many borrowers are electing to shave money off their monthly repayments.”