The housing market is set for an "almighty bounce", the presenter of TV’s Location, Location, Location predicted at the launch of the Kent Design Awards.

Kent-born Phil Spencer admitted that the present situation was not very encouraging but it was just a question of time before the market returned.

He said the number of housing transactions had fallen by 60 per cent, but in normal times around a million people moved every year.

Mr Spencer, originally from Littlebourne near Canterbury, said it was quite possible that two million people would want to move when confidence came back, especially if interest rates stayed at their present low level. "Things are going to get very busy," he said.

With housebuilders mothballing developments, he was worried that there would not be enough properties to satisfy demand.

"The longer the downturn lasts, the greater the shortage of housing is going to become. It adds weight to my belief that at the end of all of this, there is going to be an almighty bounce in terms of activity and pricing levels."

He hailed the awards, saying they would encourage people to concentrate on the importance of high-quality design and "delivering distinctive product".

He added: "I would strongly encourage anyone who has recently completed a project or is working on a project they are proud of to enter this year’s awards."

The fourth annual Kent Design Awards feature six categories, including for the first time a Project of the Year Award in memory of Lord Bruce-Lockart, former KCC leader. He instigated the award scheme and championed design excellence before his death last year.

Other categories cover residential, commercial, public buildings, town village renaissance and building conservation and craftsmanship.

KCC leader Paul Carter said the awards were a chance to "showcase what is so good in Kent design. It’s a really good thing to be doing at this particularly difficult time when construction is in the doldums".

The deadline for entries is July 17, visit www.kent.gov.uk/kent_design, telephone 01622 696875 or email kbdawards@kent.gov.uk for more details.