Property prices rose marginally last month for the first time in eight months. Yet despite the supply of property continuing to outweigh demand, market slowdown maybe coming to an end, as a result 2005 may now be set for gentle gains, according to the National Association of Estate Agents.

"Come Easter, we expect to once again be witnessing gently rising property prices across much of the country," said Richard Hair, President of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).