Rise in number of property sales in Devon and Cornwall

Devon and Cornwall were among the only parts of the UK where property sales rose in November, according to a housing market survey.

The number of surveyors in the South West recording a rise in sales increased by over a fifth.

Other regions around the UK reported a decrease.

The figures were compiled by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Despite the growing number of sales, the survey found house prices in the region had fallen.

Roger Punch, a Plymouth estate agent and RICS spokesperson, said: "The nervousness in the future of the local economy appears to be dwindling and some positive signs can be seen in the Devon and Cornwall marketplace.

"Most of all it is reassuring to see the region bucking the trend when it comes to property sales."

The South West region includes Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.