The average house price in Bracknell Forest fell by £30,000 last year but the market is showing signs of recovery, estate agents say.

Homes selling for £230,526 in January 2008 were going for £201,268 by November, according to the Land Registry.

Now estate agents say that after a turbulent year, the market is improving for both buyers and sellers.

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Ian MacBeth, branch manager of estate agency Prospect in Charles Square, Bracknell, said: “We’re achieving better prices now people are achieving market value rather than having to go below.

“We are having more offers and more viewings than we were in the middle of last year.”

He added there were more than 400 houses on sale in Bracknell at one point last year and the huge choice was putting off confused buyers  – and forcing sellers to slash prices.

Ian added: “Now there’s around 200 so that’s helping to stabilise the market. It’s good news for everyone – including me as I have a house in Bracknell.”

He said that he has seen an increase in the number of “proceed-able buyers” – people have an offer on their houses and are ready to buy – coming through his doors.

The figures, compiled by the Government department from the price of all property bought and sold in thre UK, revealed the price of average house in Bracknell Forest remained higher than three years previously in November 2005.

Andy Freegard, branch manager of Carsons also in Charles Square, said: “I hope and pray every day that the downturn will end!

“We had a good month in December and January is looking good. I wouldn’t say the market is stabilised yet but there are encouraging signs in terms of activity.”