More Britons are feeling confident that house prices will rise in the next twelve months, according to moneyfacts.co.uk.

Even though prices fell in April, 33 per cent of people questioned by Halifax think that house prices will start to rise this year. Under a quarter (23 per cent) are expecting prices to fall. More than half (57 per cent) expect the change to be +5 per cent and -5 per cent, while a further quarter (26 per cent) think prices will remain the same.

However, many people still think that even if house prices do rise it will only be on a small scale.

Even though half of those surveyed think it would be a good time to buy over the next three months, uncertainty is still holding many people back. Concerns over job security was found to be the biggest barrier to buying a home as well as interest rate rises. Another big put off was the amount of money required for a deposit.

Louise Holmes, spokesperson for Moneyfacts.co.uk said: "As well as high mortgage rates, many borrowers have found it incredibly difficult to find funds for large deposits, often entirely beyond their financial capabilities. Higher loan-to-value mortgages have made a return to the market over recent months, suggesting lenders are taking positive steps to help the first time buyer market."