Surveyors and estate agents have reported a surge in business, the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ulster Bank residential market survey has found.

Northern Ireland’s market performed better than predicted in the first half of the year while newly agreed sales rose in June after slipping in May.

But the rate of properties coming to market slowed over June, the survey said, suggesting there are still supply issues as people put off moving.

RICS residential property spokesman Samuel Dickey said: “The latest survey brings to an end the first half of 2017 and the market has performed better than expected in the past six months.

“Indeed, expectations for the market strengthened in June.

“As we move into the latter half of the year, there continues to be some political uncertainty, and consumers will feel something of a squeeze from rising inflation.

“However, the latest survey suggests that there is still momentum in the local housing market and that surveyors remain positive about the outlook.”

Sean Murphy, managing director of personal banking at Ulster Bank, said: “At Ulster Bank, we continue to see a good flow of mortgage interest and we expect demand to remain strong in the second half of the year.

“Buying or moving home remains an attractive option for many people, as, despite rising prices, buying in Northern Ireland remains relatively very affordable.

“We see evidence that people retain a strong desire to own their own home.”