Property market soothsayers and silver linings

The company's monthly survey of the network's 65 offices and 450 real estate agents looked at sales volumes, enquiry levels, listings, market trends and also surveyed agents on bank lending attitudes.

Of the total responses 58% of agents felt banks were more relaxed in their lending than in April last year and access to mortgages was easier for borrowers.

However, 33% felt mortgages were still difficult to access, and 9% felt it had gotten even harder than last year.

Agents were also asked their opinion on the most mortgage-friendly bank in their region, with 33% saying no one bank stood out.