The number of homes sold in the UK over the past three months has reached its highest level since January 2010, according to the latest RICS residential market survey.

The survey revealed chartered surveyors in the UK sold an average of 17.9 properties in the three months to May. The figure is still low compared to the market peak six years previously, however.

In Scotland, house sales are expected to continue to increase over the next quarter with 36% of respondents predicting transactions levels to rise.

The long-term picture also looks positive, with 64% expecting sales to grow over the next 12 months.

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A key factor behind the surge in activity is said to be the recent upturn in buyers testing the market. During May, interest from would-be buyers in Scotland rose sharply, with 71% more chartered surveyors reporting rises rather than falls in new buyer enquiries.

Prices in Scotland also look set to rise over the next 12 months, with 36% predicting a rise in house prices over the period.

Feedback from chartered surveyors suggests that prices will increase between 1 and 1.5%.

Looking at the rental market, tenant demand continued to rise during May, although the rate of growth has begun to slow in the last few months.

Sarah Speirs, Director RICS Scotland, said: "May was an interesting month for the housing market in Scotland. There has been a definite increase in activity, with an encouraging increase in new buyer enquiries and new instructions. There is still a very long way to go until we see a full scale recovery but green shoots are beginning to sprout."

(JP/CD)