House prices across the UK have risen for the second consecutive month, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) survey for December 2005.

House prices across the UK have risen for the second consecutive month, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) survey for December 2005.

This increase has been boosted by increased interest from buyers towards the end of the year.

Surveyors have also reported a return of first-time buyers to the market, which coincides with the fact that many believe that the market will fall no further.

Meanwhile, the last quarter of 2005 showed the highest increase in completed sales (eight per cent) across the UK in more than two years.

Jeremy Leaf, spokesman for Rics, said: "The housing market is definitely seeing signs of a recover. Home buying and selling is supported by a healthy job market and business climate."

Looking forward to 2006, many surveyors believe that the increased demand will not be satisfied by the property on the market, which resulted in the prediction that "modest" price rises will continue.