The market was seemingly impacted by the slight increase in mortgage rates over the last few weeks but respondents retain a positive outlook for prices and transactions as more properties are listed for sale.

A net balance of -3 per cent of respondents in Scotland was reported for newly agreed sales in April, down from 13 per cent in March and up from -9 per cent in February. This suggests that sales were broadly flat.

The number of properties being listed for sale increased though, with a net balance of 26 per cent of surveyors in Scotland reporting a rise in new instructions to sell in April, the fifth consecutive month in which this balance has been in positive territory.

Demand also continued to rise, with a net balance of 12 per cent of Scottish respondents noting that new buyer enquiries increased last month, a slight increase on what was seen the month before.

Looking at pricing, a net balance of 21 per cent of surveyors in Scotland reported that prices rose over the last three months, the second highest balance across all UK regions after Northern Ireland. Surveyors anticipate that prices will continue to rise in the short-term albeit at a slower rate than seen previously, with a net balance of 10 per cent expecting an increase in prices over the next three-month period, down from 19 per cent in March.

In the Scottish lettings market, the imbalance between demand and supply continues, with a net balance of 33 per cent of surveyors noting a rise in tenant demand, and a net balance of -32 per cent of surveyors in Scotland reporting a fall in supply coming to the market. Subsequently, it is unsurprising that a net balance of 33 per cent of respondents anticipate rents will increase over the next three months.

Charlie Barrett, of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors In Edinburgh & Lothians, said: “Market activity appears relatively balanced and steady. The average property is selling very slightly over Home Report valuation, indicating a very gradual increase in prices. Anecdotally, it is understood interest levels are increasing with more closing dates being set and viewing numbers up.”

Discussing the rental market, Carolyn Davies, of Savills, in Dumfries, added: “There has been a flurry of activity with market rent ‘rent reviews’ since the lifting of the rent cap, and much discussion about getting rents to the market rent ahead of the next tranche of housing legislation. The continued lack of supply of property in the lettings marketplace.”