London house prices 'going up'

The price of property for sale in London rose last month, it has been shown.

New figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed that in the city, 55 per cent of surveyors polled reported positive price sentiment.

This was an increase from the 32 per cent recorded during March.

It was also higher than the national average, which stood at 17 per cent in April.

Responding to the findings, RICS spokesman Jeremy Leaf said: "The housing market often sees an increase in new instructions in the early part of the year with sales boosted in the spring and this year has been no exception."

The improvement in weather seen at this time of year is one reason for the rise, he noted.

However, there is a degree of concern at present that the housing market may suffer as the post-general election confusion continues and those in the industry are keen to see a resolution.