The number of homes for sale continues to fall but not because of any market upturn.

62,733 houses or apartments were on offer in February, 870 fewer than the previous month and the seventh month on month decrease, but estate agents remain pessimistic – it still takes a record length of time for sellers to find buyers, even though prices continue to drop.

Housing economist Lise Nytoft of mortgage lender Nordea said: “The decreasing number of homes on the market shouldn’t be interpreted as a positive sign. Many potential sellers can’t be bothered putting their home up for sale because they know they won’t get the price they want – or need.”

Market statistics show that it takes an average of 9.5 months to sell a property right now.