Rise in first-time buyer sales

The Christmas slowdown has begun in the housing market but sales made to first-time buyers have recovered slightly from a previous three-year low, figures from estate agents have revealed.

Branches typically made six property sales in November, dropping off from eight the previous month, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) said. This represents a year-on-year decrease, with an average of seven sales made in November 2010.