Pictured: Brian Holt's Leamington manager Jane Canning says house sales rose considerably in September compared with the same month last year

Property sales more than doubled in Kenilworth in September for estate agency Brian Holt, reflecting more confidence in a market which is remaining stable.

The first month of autumn saw a staggering 140% rise in contract exchanges and a 44% increase in completions, underlining a return to normality according to branch manager Julie Philpot.

Viewings and mailing list applications were also up - 41% more people looked at houses and flats than in September 2010 and 31% more added their names to the mailing list.

Its sister office in Leamington also saw more homes sold, with a 60% increase in contract exchanges and 25% more completions than the same month in the previous year.

Sales were also up at Brian Holt's Coventry city centre and Earlsdon offices - with gross sales up 18% in the city centre and contract exchanges 50% higher in Earlsdon.

Leamington manager Jane Canning explained: "Despite the latest round of economic problems and issues over the Euro we are seeing a consistent turnover of houses. People who are realistic about the price they can achieve for their home are selling. Prices have remained pretty settled for some time and there are no signs of any change on the horizon so people are just getting with it.

"Because there are fewer houses for sale then those which are on the market, if sensibly priced, are being purchased. People aren't making the speculative moves of a few years ago but if they need or want to relocate or up or downsize they are feeling more comfortable about doing so."