House hunters have hit property portals hard in the first few weeks of 2018, with Rightmove reporting a 9 per cent increase in visits compared with a year ago.

The site has received an average of more than four million visits per day so far this month, with average prices up 0.7 per cent on January 2017.

Kevin Shaw, national sales director at estate agents Leaders, said: “The early signs for the property market in 2018 are extremely positive, with online searches up and asking prices continuing to rise. The combination of these factors makes it the perfect time to get your home on the market.

“However, it is worth noting that properties are currently taking slightly longer to sell than this time last year, indicating buyers are happy to wait for the perfect home.”

Kevin added: “Overall, our own figures back up those from Rightmove; demand is high, more people are registering with our branches and property values in all areas remain strong.”

Kevin also urges first-time buyers to act fast to make the most of their advantageous position: “The government’s decision to abolish stamp duty for most first-time buyers has taken thousands of pounds off the cost of getting on the ladder, making it easier for this group to buy and also for second-steppers looking to sell to move on.”