Shortage of housing stock is ending

Estate agents in the UK have reported a significant increase in the number of properties coming up for sale; a sign that the housing market may be beginning to cool.

A spokesperson for housing website YourMove said that housing stock in April increased by 20% compared to last year. This is much higher than the usual seasonal rise.

While there is traditionally an increase in the number of sellers at this time of year, there may be other factors at work.

There has been a dramatic housing shortage during the past year, which may be beginning to settle. Also, many people rushed to get their homes onto the market before the expected introduction of Home Information Packs, although this was recently delayed by the government.

The increase in housing stock does not apply to all types of property, according to estate agents Knight Frank. Head of residential research, Liam Bailey, said: "Cheap properties are flying out the door, as are very expensive properties. It is the properties in the region of £150,000 and £300,000 where sellers are in a tricky market."

Opinion is divided among experts as to whether the increase in housing stock is a temporary blip, or the start of a trend.

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