A survey by the RICS showed that last quarter 15% more surveyors across the country reported that they expect workloads to grow over the coming twelve months.

This upturn is reflected in the small increase in reported workloads in the final three months of 2012.

Over this period a net balance of 6% more respondents indicated that activity had increased, with the most substantial gains being seen in infrastructure and private commercial development.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist, said: “After a truly dreadful year, if one believes the official data, there are signs that 2013 will bring some better news for the construction sector.

“Most notably, the numerous measures that the government has introduced with a focus on infrastructure appear to be bearing some fruit.

“Critically, competitive pressures in the sector remain intense which is continuing to erode profit margins.

“And for the time being financing constraints are still an issue although the Funding for Lending Scheme should gradually help to ease this challenge.”