THE housing market in West Somerset is finally showing signs of recovery after the worst slump on record – according to estate agents.

Branches across the district said consumer confidence was beginning to return and more houses were appearing on the market.

The number of viewings and enquiries has also increased since the turn of the year.

Webbers, which has offices in Minehead and Dulverton, said that April was its best sales month for nearly three years.

Ed Thorne, of Webbers, said: “The levels of enquiries and potential sellers is increasing – confidence levels are currently high.

“Demand is good across all price ranges and April was already our best month for sales since August 2007.

“There has been a gradual building of confidence for the last nine months and prices are rising again.”

Mr Thorne said the strength of the housing market was down to the local economy and an influx of people into the area.

David Lethaby, manager of Chaning and Thomas in Minehead, also reported a spike in business.

He said: “We have had a very busy spring-time and there has been a lot of activity in the market at the moment.”

Lindsay Jarrett, manager of the Dulverton branch of Stags, said the market was improving but buyers were still being cautious with their cash.

“Consumer confidence is certainly returning and there are a lot of nice properties appearing on the market, despite the election, which normally has a deadening effect.

“But we are still finding that buyers are still very cautious with money and are driving for a better deal. But the right property at the right price is selling, which it wasn’t last year.”

A survey by Rightmove revealed that 50% of people in the South-West believe house prices will be higher in 12 months’ time.

The average asking price in the region in April was £255,778 – up 2.8% in the first quarter of this year.