The UK housing market has started 2016 on a positive note as overall valuation activity in January rose by more than half on an annual basis, according to the latest research from Connells Survey & Valuation. 

In total, the number of housing valuations carried out in January climbed 52% compared to January 2015. The figure represents the fastest annual uptick in total valuation activity since July 2015, when volumes rose by 57% on July 2014.

On a monthly basis, valuation activity across all housing sectors grew by 13% between December 2015 and January 2016.

John Bagshaw, corporate services director of Connells Survey & Valuation, commented: “The UK housing market has shaken off the traditional seasonal slump that it typically experiences in December and is beginning to make progress once more. With the April 1st Stamp Duty surcharge looming, many investors and second home buyers have begun the New Year eager to move up the ladder before this kicks in.

“The property market is also being buoyed by the recent announcement from the Bank of England that interest rates will be kept at rock bottom levels for the foreseeable future.”