The latest survey of the UK housing market by the RICS showed that the number of homes for sale per estate agent branch fell to 56 in November, while surveyors reported a decline in new buyer inquiries.

However, the survey suggests that estate agents are expecting house sales to increase by as much as 5% next year following the changes to the stamp duty system outlined in George Osborne’s autumn statement.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS CEO, said: “The stamp duty reform could reverse the softer trend in buyer enquiries that has been visible in recent months but a critical issue in terms of how it plays out with prices is whether it also encourages more vendors to consider putting their properties back on the market.”

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