The number of houses sold in the UK at the start of the year has declined to levels seen at the height of the recession, according to a survey by Acadametrics.

The amount of transactions completed fell to 36,000 in January, a drop of 52% compared with the previous month, and then only crept up to an estimated 40,000 in February.

This decline has been attributed to the traditional seasonal slowdown in house buying at the start ofthe year, the wintry weather and the end of stamp duty relief.

"The start of 2010 was difficult for a number of reasons, and the question is whether this is a blip or the start of a new trend," said Peter Williams of Acadametrics.

"Given the unusual factors influencing the start of 2010, there is considerable uncertainty which can only be answered in subsequent months."