The number of houses sold could rise as much as 10% once the World Cup tournament is over in July, research has revealed.

The housing market during previous World Cup months has slowed down. Historically, during June, when the tournament is in full swing, the average number of housing transactions drops by 1600, or 1.3%.

After the tournament is over, however, transactions rise an average of 4.1% in August as pent-up demand is released.

If England perform well, the bounce-back can be even more marked, as the feel-good factor carries people forward. In 2002, when England reached the quarter-finals, transactions dropped 5% in June but soared 11% after trophy was awarded.

The research, by Haart estate agents, found that the housing market closely mirrors England's World Cup success.

In 1994, the year England failed to qualify for the tournament, monthly transactions dropped 0.9% in June and July and there was no boost in August.