Over the course of the past couple of years or so, since the start of the credit crunch, consumer confidence in the housing and home owner loan markets has dropped to the lowest level for many years.

But confidence levels amongst potential home buyers and people looking for a home owner loan or mortgage is slowly starting to increase, according to new research published by Unbiased.co.uk.

The survey found that around 18 per cent of potential buyers believed that house prices had now reached their lowest point and a further 29 per cent thought that prices were now actually starting to increase. However, almost one third of first time buyers are still trying to save up a large enough deposit to meet lenders stricter criteria on the maximum loan to value they are prepared to offer.

With a growing number of potential home buyers believing that house prices are as cheap as they are ever likely to be and the monthly cost of a home owner loan or mortgage at low levels due to the record low level of interest rates on loans, many people are in the belief that now is the best time to apply for a loan and enter the property market.

Karen Barrett of Unbiased.co.uk said “The last year has seen a real shift in the attitudes of consumers towards buying a house. No longer are potential home buyers biding their time until house prices have fallen. They are now looking to buy and gathering the means to do so.”

“With interest rates holding at an all time low consumers are seeing the importance of getting the right mortgage now more than ever. Those buying a new property, but also those looking to remortgage, will benefit from seeking professional advice on the whole of the market to get the best mortgage deal for their circumstances.”