CONSUMERS in Yorkshire remain confident about the region's housing market and economy, a survey reveals today.

Research by Yorkshire Building Society concludes that 47 per cent of Yorkshire consumers anticipate further house price rises with 27 per cent seeing a stable market for 2003.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of adult non-homeowners are intending to be a first-time buyer in 2003.

Also 11 per cent of existing homeowners are seeking to move house this year, the main reason (39 per cent) being the need for a different size property, and 24 per cent of homeowners are seeking to make home improvements this year. For these people, new kitchens (35 per cent) and new bathrooms (30 per cent) top the list.

Andy Caton, the society's chief economist, said: "These findings show that people in Yorkshire have a robust confidence in the region and its property market, with the vast majority expecting to be fully-employed throughout 2003 and to see stable or growing house prices.

"The fact that over a quarter of non-homeowners intend to become first-time buyers this year, and that one in four existing homeowners plans major home improvements, shows that the population of Yorkshire is optimistic about housing market prospects."

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, January 23, 2003