The average price of a home has jumped by nearly £3,000 already this month, according to the property wesbite Rightmove.
The typical asking price for a property coming on to the market across Britain increased by 0.8 per cent, or £2,974, to £370,759.
Although there is usually a price jump in September, this month’s is twice the long-term average.
Several factors are thought to be behind the autumn housing market boost, including lower mortgage rates and workers’ earnings rising faster than inflation.
Tim Bannister, the director of property science at Rightmove, said: “The autumn action has started early, with a strong rebound in activity from both buyers and sellers compared to the subdued market at this time last year, continuing the momentum from the better-than-expected summer market.
“The certainty of a new government followed by the first Bank of England base interest rate cut in four years invigorated the market, opening a window of opportunity for movers to act.
“Some of this will be pent-up demand from those who had to hit the pause button. However, windows of opportunity tend to need a momentum of good news to stay open, and there are still uncertainties, which could cause some current market activity to ease.”
Rightmove said that the average property was still taking 60 days to find a buyer, three days longer than at this time last year. This suggested that buyers were taking their time to find the right home at the right price.
Mr Bannister added: “Homeowners thinking of coming to market soon should not let the increased activity make them over-optimistic and must price competitively to sell.
“With affordability still very stretched for many, choosy buyers are taking their time to browse the increased number of homes for sale and find the perfect home.”
Nathan Emerson, the chief executive of Propertymark, the professional body for the property industry, said: “It is positive news to see further uplift across the housing market now affordability has more confidently swung in the direction of consumers.
“Inflation figures due out on Wednesday will prove to be a key influence on the next interest rate decision, which will happen on the following day.”