INCREASED demand from would-be buyers has led to a shortage of properties in some parts of the region, one agency reports.

Branch managers for Connells in both Lichfield and Walsall say that there are more people looking to buy homes now than a year ago.

"We are currently seeing buyer demand outstrip the number of properties available," said Lichfield branch manager Nicola Moore. "I would urge anyone looking to sell their home to take advantage of this, and speak to us about marketing your property as soon as possible."

Over in Walsall, branch manager Joanne Richards also reported increased activity through January.

"There are definitely more buyers in the market compared with the beginning of last year," she said.

"We saw a huge amount of interest from local buyers in our January 'Biggest Sale Ever' campaign, when many homes were discounted, and many vendors secured sales."

And Nicola said she believed the greater choice of mortgage products now available, with some great deals on offers, allied to the "pent-up demand" from people keen to move, had combined to produce the rise in activity in the region's property market.