Homeowners in the UK are becoming increasingly optimistic regarding the nation's housing market, according to new research carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Halifax,

The report showed that more Britons expect prices to rise rather than fall over the next 12 months. It suggested that 35% of respondents anticipate an increase in such costs, which is markedly higher than the 20% who predicted a decline.

Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: "Despite some regional differences, the general improvement in confidence in the outlook for house prices over the past year reflects the relative resilience of the UK housing market."

Mr Ellis noted support for house prices is being provided by the low level of mortgage payments relative to income, even though the weak economic climate is still acting as a constraint on housing demand.

House values are likely to remain broadly unchanged for the remainder of 2012 and into next year, he added.