The UK property market remains buoyant, according to the latest survey from the RICS.

Prices in England, Wales and Scotland rose in March for the fifth month in a row, RICS said.

Among its members, 13% more saw prices rise than saw them fall as the industry showed "a lot of optimism". The number of potential buyers on the books of RICS members has also gone up for the tenth month in a row.

An RICS spokesperson said: "People traditionally put houses on the market in the new year and sales pick up around Easter.

"Agents are clearly expecting this year to be no exception and our figures are showing a lot of optimism in the industry."

Our figures show a lot of optimism in the industry

RICS spokesperson

The RICS survey found that prices were rising fastest in London, the South-west of England and in Scotland. Further evidence of strength in the housing market has come from the latest survey from the property website Rightmove.

Rightmove claimed that in the four weeks to 9 April, prices in England and Wales rose a total of 1.1%, and 4.1% over the past year. The "mini boom" was driven by the demand for higher-priced properties.