Britain's economic future.

The 0.5% rise in London house prices in March is solid evidence that the recovery is underway according to Will Davies – co-founder of London’s largest property maintenance and refurbishment company aspect.co.uk.

“Confidence is a key to the performance of any economy,” said Mr Davies – who was an investment banker before launching aspect.co.uk.  “There comes a point when we have to stop continually talking of spending cuts and double dip recessions,” he said. “The rise in property prices has to be good news and now is the time for the public to have some confidence in Britain’s economic future and for businesses to be confident enough to invest.”

The rise in house prices was the first reported increase since April 2010. The increase was higher in the capital than elsewhere in the UK.

The survey of 1,500 surveyors and agents - which was carried out by Hometrack – reported a 1% increase in house prices in East Anglia, the South East and the South West. However, the market was stationary in the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside and fell in some Northern areas and parts of Wales.