September was a quiet month for the UK housing market, with the number of sales agreed and the number of new buyers on books both down for the time of year, new figures reveal.

According to a survey from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), agents reported that stock levels during September were higher than usual and there were not enough buyers for the number of one and two bedroom properties on the market.

Following a sharp increase in new three and four bedroom properties coming onto the market before the launch of the second stage launch of home information packs (Hips) in September, a shortage of three and four bedroom properties now exists.

Activity in the UK housing market picked up slightly between July and August this year, but dipped in September, with the sector affected by the global ''credit crunch'', a series of interest rate rises, Hips and "election indecision" all contributing to the fall.

The NAEA suggests that estate agents in London and the south-east are still reporting more activity in other areas, while the excess of smaller properties on the market "is potentially good news for first time buyers".

A new report from lender Halifax suggests that the north-south house price divide is widening, with the average price of a home in the south rising to £265,921, while an average property in the north costs just £158,636.