SPECULATION about possible falls in prices in the South East’s housing market could become a self-fulfiling prophecy as househunters delay their buying plans and wait to see which way the market moves, according to the latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Both buyer inquiries and new instructions to sell homes were down across the region for the second month in a row, while the rise in house prices was relatively small.

The South East market tends to follow London where the survey's figures suggest the market has stabilised, pointing to the long hoped-for "soft landing" rather than the feared crash.

David Tuffin, chairman of RICS South East, said: "The market in the South East is delicately balanced, with a definite sense of caution among buyers.

“However, there is no sign of a market crash in the offing as some reports suggested last month, with other regions still experiencing strong increases in values.

“In market trends the rest of the country lags behind London, so if the capital sees a "soft landing" in the housing market other regions are likely to follow later this and next year.”

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SPORTS star Sharron Davies made a four-hour lone drive from her Cotswold home through the recent blizzards to keep a date in Ashford.

The former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimming champion from the 1970s and 80s, who went on to be a TV Gladiator, power boat racer, game show panellist, charity supporter and interior designer, was booked to launch the new Redrow showhomes on Singleton Hall.

Thanking her for making the considerable effort, sales manager Stephen Williams said the opening of the first phase of 89 traditional homes, built in 26 different styles, was a significant step forward.

Mr Williams said: "We are celebrating the launch of De Montford Park and we are pleased to be in Ashford and looking forward to a long association with the area and the provision of quality homes."

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AWARD-winning housebuilder Millwood Designer Homes has presented two Kent schoolchildren with prizes of their own.

Millwood asked the Year Three pupils at Holmewood House Primary School in Langton Green - which is close to the company’s Eversleigh View development - to draw their perfect home.

The winners were Marcus Ringer who was awarded the first prize and Lucy Lawson, who achieved second prize.

Tony Lynn, Millwood’s sales and marketing manager and Richard Elliott, Millwood’s assistant sales manager and himself a former pupil of the school, attended a special assembly to present the winners their prizes - a framed copy of their drawing and Marcus also received some art materials.