We always like a bit of good news - and there’s evidence of some in the latest housing market survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

This is the survey, you recall, that basically relies on surveyors’ views of the market - often the best barometer there is of what’s to come.

The survey for June showed that the number of would-be buyers rose in that month for the first time in six months, and after four straight months of falls, that is significant.

The belief is that the reason for the uplift is the increasingly commonly held view that interest rates have peaked.

Of course, the rise in activity is from a low base, as RICS points out. 

But, this, we forecast, is the first sign of a general uplift in the market, which will become ever more apparent when interest rates are cut.

House price falls are also slowing down, according to the survey - 42% of surveyors report falls, down from last month’s high of 46%.`

The month also shows a rise in property on the market, though at the slowest pace of increase since January.

Selling instructions are still rising, which means investors are still in a good position...for now.

Surveyors report their overall outlook is at its most optimistic in seven months.

Prices are still falling across the country, with the exception of Scotland which is still seeing very slight price rises. But the rate of price falls has slowed in half of all regions, most notably in Northern England.

Price falls steepened in much of Southern England, including London and the South East...time to go shopping in London, as we’ve said many times!

Why?  Because when the market picks up, London will come back strongest and first...and it’ll also prove to be the most resilient for longest, so the kind of bargains that are available now won’t be around again for a while, we forecast.