THE number of home buyers looking for properties has increased by almost 50 per cent in the first seven months of this year, according to figures from estate agency Connells.

Its national network recorded a huge increase in those looking for a property while the supply of homes coming onto the market is still struggling to keep up with demand.

The estate agent’s national figures show there are now seven buyers competing for every property which comes onto the market. These statistics are also playing out locally, with sellers heavily outnumbered by buyers. According to the Connells in Wote Street, Basingstoke, this is pushing up house prices in the area which is great news for anyone who has been thinking of selling their home.

“Both locally and nationally, the housing market is still dominated by home buyers searching for property,” said Connells area director Graham Archer.

“Because there aren’t enough homes on the market to satisfy this demand we are seeing fierce competition amongst buyers for homes coming onto the market.

“I would urge anyone who has been thinking of selling and moving on to get in touch.

“It is likely one of our registered buyers is looking for a home like yours.”

Connells national network has recorded an almost 10 per cent increase in home sales in the first seven months of 2014 compared to last year. “I hope we will see more properties coming onto the market for the busy autumn period as buyers and sellers look to finalise their home move before the end of the year,” said Graham.