Amidst all the economic doom and gloom, there’s a glimmer of hope for property sellers in prime areas of London. It’s been revealed that the asking prices of properties increased again in January 2009, for the third successive month.

This is highlighted in our latest House Price Index, which is based on an analysis of the prime market in the most prestigious areas of London (and included a sample of over 62,000 properties). Property prices were found to have risen across all five areas of London, with the highest increase noted in West/South West London where a rise of 2.29% was recorded. The property market was particularly good in Chiswick and Hammersmith, where the asking prices of properties rose by 14.3% month on month.

Agents are reporting that there’s been more interest in property over the last three months – particularly from savvy overseas buyers who are keen to benefit from the weak pound.

The House Price Index also revealed that the average weekly rental prices in prime London properties have fallen. Whilst this isn’t great news for landlords, it does put tenants in a great position, especially if they’re willing to negotiate on price.