The number of house sales recorded at the land registry office (kadaster) rose 6% in January compared with a year ago.

However, compared with December 63% fewer houses were sold. The registry office says that the last month of the year is traditionally the one in which many contracts are exchanged. In addition, December was the last month in which people could make a tax-free gift of €100,000.

The number of sales reached 9,437, with a rise in all sections of the market with the exception of semi-detached houses.

The biggest rise was in apartments, up nearly 13% on a year ago.

Regional variations range from an increase in Flevoland of 29% to a drop of 14% in Zeeland. Drenthe and Overijssel also saw house sales fall.