The number of residential properties in the UK rose between the end of March 2008 and 2009, according to new figures.

A dwelling stock estimation, calculated by Communities and Local Government, showed that the number of properties increased by 166,000 during the 12-month period.

This rise represents growth of 0.74 per cent, which is down by 19 percentage points on the previous year's expansion.

Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, commented recently that only 60,000 new build houses entered the market last year, therefore "fewer houses are being offered for sale".

Talking about the lack of new build houses, he said: "Some are making a lifestyle choice and renting rather than paying for a more expensive mortgage."

This means that more people will be renting as requirement for new build tenements exceeds supply, he suggested.

People wishing to move house may be interested in making the process easier by using self storage facilities.