ESTATE agents say that ­momentum has returned to the Scottish property market after stalling in the run up to the independence referendum.

Although prices have risen overall this year, activity in the market dipped in the weeks preceding the historic vote on September 18 as buyers waited to see if Scotland would remain part of the UK.

It has now emerged that some properties at the higher end of the market were purchased on the condition of a 'no' vote, while homes which have struggled to find a buyer for weeks before the ballot have now changed hands.

There has also been an upsurge in the number of people coming forward to either put their house on the market or register an interest in property for sale.

Dr John Boyle, director of research and strategy at Rettie & Co, said that business had improved at their branches in both Glasgow and Edinburgh during the last week as the economic uncertainties created by the prospect of a Yes vote receded.

He said: "There has been some pent-up demand released post the referendum. A more certain economic environment is good for housing and we have that now that the vote is out of the way.

"We think there will be a strong end to the year for the Scottish housing market, which is already back at activity levels not seen since 2008."

Oliver Paul, sales and letting manager, at the firm's Glasgow city centre office said that the sudden upturn in business was not restricted to any one area.

He said: "I have had a number of clients waiting for a no vote before marketing their home for sale, from Dullatur to Pollokshields.

"I have now received the instructions. They are prepared to market now, irrespective of the perceived looming seasonal slowdown."

Tony Perriam, managing director of Borders LLP said: "At 9.15am on Fri 19th September we received an offer from an Oxfordshire-based buyer at the full asking price for a property five miles into the Borders."

Maitland Walker, managing partner Rettie & Co Glasgow West End added: "Our six new instructions since yesterday is very clearly showing the confidence is back."

Estate agents Strutt & Parker also confirmed that the referendum had an effect on business and buyers and sellers are now making up for lost time. Three offers were made on the first working day following the referendum, while the agency organised more than 100 new viewings in the last week.

Andrew Rettie, partner in charge of the firm's estate agency in Scotland, said: "There has been a demonstrable rise in activity levels since last Friday morning. After a lull prior to the referendum, the telephones are ringing again with inquiries from both potential vendors and purchasers.

"The autumn market is traditionally strong but it has this year been delayed by at least a month. "The referendum is now behind us and the uncertainty surrounding it is consigned to the past.

"Most buyers and sellers I have spoken to are relieved that the referendum is out of the way and that they can get on with their business life."