According to new data, East of England buyers are paying up to £13,000 more on properties than this time last year.

The study by Move with Us, found that slight house price increases and reduced discount levels meant buyers were paying on average up to £13,000 more in March 2012, compared to March 2011 – that’s six per cent more.

The data also showed that the number of days required to sell property in the region has remained at similar levels to March 2011 with the average sale taking 120 days, compared to 150 nationally.

Robin King, director at Move with Us said: “As a lead indicator for the wider UK property market, the increase in price levels in this region are a positive sign and suggests that we could start to see an increase in market confidence in the coming months.

“With more properties for sale and higher asking prices achieved, this appears to be a market that is improving.  Buyers in East Anglia are experiencing lower levels of discount compared to this time last year.  Not only that, but the number of days to sell has also remained steady suggesting that there is enough competition between buyers for sellers to achieve higher asking prices. East Anglia is definitely one to watch closely as the year continues.”