February saw the housing market revive with valuations increasing across all sectors, according to the latest research from Connells Survey and Valuation.

The surge in activity has bolstered February’s figures with the total number of valuations carried out 50% higher than the previous month and only 4% lower on an annual basis, which was one of the smallest annual falls since September 2014.

There was a strong surge in activity across the housing market but home movers took up the baton with a 59% leap in activity on a monthly basis. Despite the strength of this upsurge, this leaves home mover valuations in February 8% lower than 12 months before.

John Bagshaw, corporate services director at Connells Survey & Valuation, comments: “After an extended period of fairly subdued activity it is encouraging to see the market shake off its winter blues. The first quarter is normally a strong one so after a relatively weak January it is reassuring to see February come back so strongly.

“Previously activity among home movers was sluggish, reporting weak growth throughout Q4 and at the beginning of this year. However, supported by a sunny economic outlook and record low mortgage rates we are beginning to see a shift in consumer behaviour.”