The survey carried out by Homebuyer Show, show that there has been a distinct change in expectation from last year when only a quarter expected the market to grow, while almost half thought 2005 would see a decline in property prices.
This optimism reflects the predictions by Nationwide Building Society and Halifax, which are also expecting moderate growth in house prices this year.
Almost two thirds of those questioned state that they were planning on buying a property in the next 12 months, with half of these planning on buying an investment or buy-to-let property.
Homeowners remain cautious about rising house prices, logging it as their third biggest worry after a lack of affordable housing and a change in interest rates.
Nick Clark, manager of the Homebuyer Show, comments: The UK housing market seemed to really struggle throughout 2005, with prices and activity down. However, with the realization that a house price crash was highly unlikely, the market has begun to show signs of positive growth and both buyers and sellers are returning to the marketplace.
Speculation of a reduction in interest rates should see a further boost in activity which should cause house price inflation over the whole of the UK.
The Homebuyer Show will be held at the ExCel Centre in Londons Docklands between Friday 17 March and Saturday 18 March.
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