AN upturn in the number of homes coming onto the local housing is not enough to meet growing demand, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has warned.

The warning coincides with the launch of a new £8 million Bradford housing development aimed at first time buyers .

The latest RICS residential market survey shows an increase in the number of properties coming up for sale in Yorkshire. But this is not enough to meet the surge of demand, particularly from buy-to-let investors which is also pushing up house prices .

Regional chartered surveyors reported an average of 56 homes on their books in January, up from 52 in December - but well down on the average of 84 homes on their books two years ago .

Surveyors also reported a 16 per cent rise in new buyer enquiries last month - due mainly to a rush of buy-to-let investors looking to buy before the three per cent Stamp Duty surcharge which comes into effect in April.

Agreed sales in the region remain healthy, with surveyors selling an average of 22 homes each over the last quarter - more than the UK average of 19 sales per agent .

Yorkshire house prices are projected to rise slightly with 38 per cent of regional surveyors forecasting higher prices in more popular areas over the next 12 months.

Nearly half of regional surveyors also reported a rise for rented properties last month, along with a 13 per cent rise in landlord instructions and a similar a rise in rental properties coming onto the market. Again , supply is failing to keep pace with growing demand which is expected to push up rents.

Ian Briggs, of Dacre, Son & Hartley estate agents ,said: “The buy-to-let rush has excluded first time buyers from the market as sellers inevitably prefer to sell to investors who are able to secure funding upon very relaxed lending criteria.”

The sod turning ceremony at the Millers Croft development of 58 homes in Buttershaw was performed by Bradford Council deputy leader Councillor Val Slater.

The two and three bedroom homes off Chartwell Drive ate being built by regeneration specialist, Keepmoat. First-time buyers will be able to purchase a property with a five per cent deposit under the Government backed Help to Buy scheme.

Steve Armitage, Keeomoat regional sales manager, said: “Last year we completed a new housing development in Shipley in which we swiftly the sold the 136 homes andwere overwhelmed by the demand – particularly from those who were trying to get on the property ladder."