The number of house sales agreed in the south east is rising faster than anywhere else in the UK, according to the latest figures.

Sales agreed in February in the region rose by just under a half, or 49.1 per cent, on the previous month, according to the latest figures by housing data group Hometrack.

Sales nationwide increased slightly more slowly, by 35.9 per cent, during the month.

The number of new would-be buyers registering with estate agents in the south east also rose the fastest, by 25 per cent. This figure rose nationally by 17.1 per cent.

Richard Donnell, Hometrack’s director of research, said: "Agents in parts of the country have reported that new properties, correctly priced, are going under offer relatively quickly – while others report multiple bids on homes."

Hometrack said there was evidence that sellers were becoming more realistic about pricing.