THE housing market in York is the liveliest it has been for two-and-a-half years, a leading city surveyor has claimed.

Edward Waterson, of Carter Jonas, said following a "quieter" Easter, the York market "remains strong and is at its most lively since the start of 2004".

Mr Waterson was commenting as it was revealed house prices have risen for the sixth

consecutive month across Yorkshire and Humber - with larger properties

outperforming flats.

A survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed prices rose at their fastest pace since August, 2004, with buyer inquiries showing a modest increase.

New instructions to sell were also reported to have risen marginally in recent months, and surveyors across the region expect the market to remain buoyant.

John Haigh, of Lister and Haigh, in Knaresborough, said: "The properties are coming on to the market resulting in buyers being more discerning. This is

likely to put some downward pressure on prices."

Bronnie Broadhurst, assistant manager of York-based Hunters, said: "The market is certainly lively. It's a good market for buyers and sellers. It isn't a market where if you buy a new house you'll make a killing, but you certainly won't lose your money either."

Reuben Barrett, of Otisdale, said: "There is still a lot of housing stock

available for sale, but there are optimistic sellers with optimistic prices. It's a good market as long as we have realistic expectations.

"Looking forward, we are still in for a very steady market, with steady price increases. We are not going to return to the boom periods that ended a couple of years ago, but we will be in for a stable and steady market."

Nationally, RICS said house prices rose as demand has further stabilised on the back of the strengthening economy.

For the three months to April, 15 per cent more chartered surveyors reported a rise in house prices than reported a fall - up from 12 per cent in March.

RICS also revealed larger and mid-range property types are showing

disproportionate price gains compared to under-

performing flats, while the stock of available property on the market has fallen by ten per cent compared to levels a year ago.

RICS spokesman Jeremy Leaf said: "The rise of house prices suggests a return of confidence to the market boosted by a healthy economic climate.

"Greater economic wealth has boosted prices for larger properties as buyers remain content to invest for the long-term.

"Low interest rates have encouraged households to enquire about the purchase of new property."

Updated: 11:42 Friday, May 19, 2006