In the UK as a whole average consumer confidence relating to house prices has increased by 13% over the last three months, and year on year the same 13% confidence growth applies. In April 2001 average confidence was 48% compared with the 61% recorded in April 2002.

The South continues to be the most buoyant area within the UK with an average consumer confidence of 67%. Over the last three months confidence in the South has increased by 15%.Continuing this trend the Midlands and North also witnessed large increases in average confidence. The Midlands marked a 12% increase over the last three months, from 48 to 60%. Similarly average confidence in the North rose to 57% for the same period (up 13% from 44).

Figures also show that optimism amongst females has increased dramatically over the last year, 63% of females currently expect house prices to rise within the next 12 months, this marks an ten% increase on the same figure from April 2001.Currently 67% of male consumers expect their house prices to rise within the next 12 months, this represents an eight% increase on the 59% measured this time last year.