As the nation goes to the polls in today's General Election new figures show the housing market has powered on regardless of the political uncertainty.
Housing market activity in April was stronger across the board and at the same point last year, according to the latest research from Connells Survey and Valuation.
There were 13% more property valuations conducted in April than a year ago in April 2014.
But there were some signs of pre-election jitters with valuations dropping 32% in April compared to March.
John Bagshaw, corporate services director of Connells, said: "Britain's property market is still marching ahead, even as we approach the closest General Election in a decade.
"The fact that all indicators - from first time buyers right through to remortgagers - are up on this time in 2014 demonstrates the broad momentum in the property market, which we expect to continue through into the new Parliament."
Bagshaw said April's monthly dip from March is a seasonal effect but warned that a messy election result could mock sentiment in May.
"If this monthly slowdown continues further we'll know that something has changed more fundamentally.
"Yet so far, there is no sign of a serious housing market slowdown as the UK wakes up to polling day."
Connells' figures also showed that remortgaging outperformed the overall housing market in April, rising 25% on the same month last year. That followed a 34% seasonal dip in March.
Bagshaw said: "Remortgaging is leading all other valuations activity, on the back of record-low mortgage rates and the need to reset household finances.
"Mortgage rates are likely to stay low for some time. Inflation is at zero and there's little sign that the Bank of England will need to raise the base rate imminently.
"In the meantime mortgage rates have plummeted to the lowest level in over four years.
"Thus, many households may be capitalising on this period by refinancing to a fixed mortgage."
The buy-to-let market contracted by 36% in April but also saw the largest percentage growth from the same time last year, up 29% on April 2014.
Bagshaw concluded: "Buy-to-let is a story of longer-term strength, but perhaps a little pause for reflection alongside a contentious election campaign.
"With talk of rent controls and forced extended tenancy periods making the headlines, some would-be landlords are perhaps waiting to see how these policies will be implemented before looking to invest further.
"Yet the long-run picture is extremely positive. Over the past year landlords have benefitted from a booming jobs market, which has led more people to move within commuting distance of work, thus increasing demands for rental properties in certain hot-spots."
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