Property news: Buyers from across the globe selecting UK homes

UK first time buyer activity increased to highest level since 2009
First time buyer activity hit its highest level since March 2009, according to the latest Housing Market Activity Report by Connells Survey and Valuation.

The total number of residential valuations conducted during February was nearly a third more than a year ago. However, this represented a month on month increase of 43%, as the usual seasonal rise was bolstered by a flurry of first time buyers looking to beat the deadline for the stamp duty tax exemption. Read more on this story

UK market attracts buyers from US to Djibouti
New research from PrimeLocation.com has revealed the top 100 nations looking for property in the UK.

People from the United States led the way, accounting for 21 per cent of British residential property searches from outside the UK. Australia (nine per cent) and Canada (seven per cent) were second and third. Read more on this story

Interactive: House price graphs
Trace the ups and downs of UK house prices since May 2006.

The main house price indices give different figures for the annual rate of decline. Nationwide and Halifax base their figures on properties they have agreed mortgages on, while the Land Registry index – introduced in October 2006 – records all completed sales. Click here to see how the housing market has fared in recent months.