According to Rightmove, the property shortage experienced in many parts of the country has been exacerbated by a 2015 slump in the number of properties being put up for sale and by increased demand.
The number of new sellers is down 4% so far in 2015 compared to 2014, yet March was the busiest ever month on Rightmove - up almost 20% year-on-year to 115 million.
The price of property coming to market has risen by an average of nearly £85,000 (+27.5%) since the last election in May 2010.
Rightmove are now stressing the importance of policies to ensure that more homes are made available as housing becomes an important election topic.
Jeremy Duncombe, Director, Legal & General Mortgage Club and Housing, commented:
“Although house prices are rising at a reduced pace compared to last year, demand is continuing to outpace supply as the number of new sellers is down by 4% compared to last year. This has pushed the average asking price to a record high in April.
"On the whole it’s good news that house price growth is slowing, but prices are still rising far beyond the level of inflation which is pricing many people out of the market. In order to make homeownership an achievable goal, we must build an extra 250,000 houses per year to stabilise supply and demand.”
