Kent estate agents say house sales are rising as the market reaches a crucial 'tipping point'.

Michael Utchanah, Kent-based senior partner at Robinson Michael & Jackson, told KentOnline he believed the local housing market was now moving ahead of the national market.

Speaking as a survey for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reported that new buyer interest nationwide had edged up in March, he said: "We are not surprised that inquiries are rising as people are taking positive action towards moving home rather than waiting for a big change in conditions.

"People have become fed up with putting their plans on hold, so they're working with their own personal circumstances to make things happen. People will always need and want to move house and I feel we've reached the tipping point where buyers and sellers will take decisive action rather than wait.

"It's also worth remembering that the RICS report looks at a national picture. Here in Kent, the number of homes Robinson Michael & Jackson has been selling has been rising for the last 24 months, indicating a healthy property market. In fact, we've sold 20% more homes in the first three months of 2012 than we did in the same period of 2011.

"Our local property market is ahead of the national one and I would go as far as saying we've outperformed many other counties."

The RICS report said that during March, 9% more surveyors reported a rise in inquiries from potential buyers than those reporting a fall.

Meanwhile, estate agency Haart has reported sales rose by over a third during the first quarter of 2012. The agency said the South East and London were the best performing areas.

The generally positive national picture is echoed by Kent estate agent, Ward & Partners, who have 44 offices across the county.

They report a steady increase in market activity during the first three months of the year, with sales 18% up compared to the first quarter of 2011.

In March, both sales and new instructions were up by 5% compared to last year.

Managing Director David Lench said: "March in particular was a very good month. Overall, it is certainly busy out there, and there is generally a lot more optimism in the market."