The LSL and Acadata index expects the total number of transactions this year to be 15% higher than 2012, but the shortage of properties to continue.

House prices climbed 0.6% in October compared to the previous month and 4.3% on an annual basis. The average price of a house was £237,161.

E.surv chartered surveyors director Richard Sexton said: “There’s been a tremendous jump in transactions over the past three months – with the most sales recorded in an October since the onset of the crisis.

“Key to such a surge in activity is the renewed level of confidence seeping back into the market and a plethora of attractive mortgage deals enticing more and more aspiring buyers back into the housing arena.”

He said improved mortgage availability is expanding the number of potential buyers: “The increase in demand, in part fuelled by the second phase of Help to Buy having being brought forward, has driven up average house prices across the country by £1,376 over the past month and £9,776 from a year ago.”

According to the index, house prices have risen every month this year except for May and June.