"UNCERTAINTY caused by Brexit" is causing house buyers and sellers in the North West to "sit tight in increasing numbers", according to RICS.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said its most recent monthly survey showed "a weaker trend in sales than previous months".

Estate agents in the region reported a fall in the number of buyer inquiries in November for the fifth consecutive month. RICS said that Brexit and the "continued limited choice of properties for sale" were cited as causing potential buyers to delay their house hunt.

The number of new properties being listed for sale in the North West also fell for the fifth month in a row.

Twenty-three per cent of agents in the North West reported a rise in prices in November, up from 19 per cent in October.

Looking ahead, respondents said they did not expect price increases over the coming three months, most likely due to the "ongoing shortage of housing stock across the region"".

In the lettings market, demand from prospective tenants fell, along with the number of rental properties coming on to the market.

A quarter (25 per cent) of respondents said they now expect rents to fall over the next three months.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist said: “It is evident from the feedback to the latest RICS survey that the ongoing uncertainties surrounding how the Brexit process plays out is taking its toll on the housing market. Indeed, I can’t recall a previous survey when a single issue has been highlighted by quite so many contributors.

“Caution is visible among both buyers and vendors and, where deals are being done, they are taking longer to get over the line. Significantly the forward-looking indicators reflect the suspicion that the political machinations are unlikely to be resolved any time soon. The bigger risk is that this now spills over into development plans making it even harder to secure the uplift in the building pipeline to address the housing crisis.”

Hew Edgar, RICS interim head of policy added: “RICS shares the resounding sentiment of frustration from our professionals operating in the UK’s residential sector and we are not surprised by this month’s outcome. Brexit was always going to be a very politically charged debate, but the current style of politics, and the high level of political uncertainty, is significantly impacting the housing market and built environment to the detriment of the public.

“Prior to the referendum, our research indicated that Brexit would only impact the higher end of the residential market, as the lower and middle market areas are domestically driven. Now, however, it appears that those looking to buy and sell homes across the price spectrum, as well as those looking to invest in the UK’s residential sector, are putting off decisions until there is more certainty.

“Parliamentarians need to work together to make sure politics, the future deal and our relationship with the EU works for the build environment.”