YORKSHIRE estate agents are forecasting further house price rises this year - despite increased interest rates.
A survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed that house price rises in the region continued to be fuelled by a shortage of properties and high demand from buyers.
Alex McNeil, of estate agents Bramleys in Huddersfield, said: "Despite two interest rate rises in the last three months, demand for housing in all sectors remains strong.
"Even prospects of further increases in interest rates have not discouraged confidence."
The RICS survey said most estate agents expected prices to rise over the next three months.
Stocks of houses on agency books remained low, despite a slight rise in the number of properties coming on the market in January.
In Yorkshire, the average number of properties for sale per surveyor is 57. The UK average is 58.
Most estate agents reported an increase in the number of new buyer enquiries.
RICS spokesman Ian Perry said there was a lack of suitable properties for a large number of seriously committed buyers.
He added: "Easter is traditionally a time of year for people to put their houses on the market, but only time will tell what happens this year."
Mr Perry said continued interest rate rises would put a dampener on the market at some stage, but added: "A positive economic environment will prevent a marked slowdown."
