<p>The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has reported house price rises March for the fifth consecutive month. A balance of 13% of estate agents reported price rises and 10% reported an increase in buyer inquiries. The National Association of Estate Agents has reported a 40% increase in sales since the beginning of the year: “The market is back on track and the picture for 2006 is very positive indeed,” said NAEA president Christopher Hall. The HBF’s monthly survey shows an improvement in housing market conditions since January, although less than half of companies interviewed are expecting higher sales in 2006.</p>