Northern Ireland property market 'to heat up' as stamp duty hike looms

Since Chancellor George Osborne's announcement last November estate agents have reported a rise in the number of new buyer inquiries.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors chief economist Simon Rubinsohn said: "The housing market has experienced an unusually buoyant December.

"Potential buy-to-let investors are looking to pick up properties before the increased stamp duty levy comes into force next April."