45% predict the average UK house price will rise in the next twelve months according to the latest Halifax Housing Market Confidence tracker. Only 12% felt prices were likely to decline.
The survey revealed that the headline House Price Outlook balance (the difference between the proportion of people that expect house prices to rise rather than fall) stood at +33 in March.
This figure was +20 recorded in the last survey in December 2012. Survey respondents were also asked whether they felt it would be a good idea to buy or sell within the nest year.
55% said they felt it would be a good time to buy whilst 21% thought it would be a good time to sell.
The main barriers to buying were identified as concerns over job security (58%) and raising a deposit (57%).