First-time buyers (FTBs) are returning to the property market, according to new research.

First-time buyers (FTBs) are returning to the property market, according to new research.

In December, 37 per cent of prospective homebuyers were entering the market for the first time, according to propertyfinder.com's survey.

This was significantly up from the 25 per cent in September.

Last month's figures were also higher than the average during the past three years, but was down on the long-run average of 46 per cent.

"The fact that more first-time buyers are returning to search for property is a very positive sign of a healthy balance returning to the housing market," said Jim Buckle, chief executive of propertyfinder.com.

"The numbers are still below the long-run average, but it is encouraging to see more people gaining the confidence to take their first step on the housing ladder."

The research also found that property confidence levels are now as high as they were in the summer of 2004, with Britons predicting a 1.5 per cent rise in house values in the coming year.