Some reports today have been rather uncertain, even negative, in terms of 2011 property market, however certain commentators are more positive about the prospects for potential buyers in 2011.

"Lenders are becoming more flexible and have more funds available, which may lead to a favourable effect on the market in 2011," said Malcolm Waldron, regional director of estate agent Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Financial Services.

He added: "This is unlikely to encourage an increase in the number of transactions but it could mean a wider range of mortgage products on offer for those borrowers who are financially equipped."

Online estate agent Rightmove also predicts a slight lowering of hurdles in mortgage lending criteria in the second half of the year if lenders are falling short of their 2011 lending targets.

"Competition is a vital element of mortgage availability as it delivers decent rates like those seen during the excess growth of the credit markets we are struggling to recover from," said Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove. "With interest rates likely to rise in 2012, more competitive mortgage deals will be essential to offset the rise in base rates and prevent a further frustration of buyer demand and housing market recovery."

He adds that prices could well be around 10% lower than the mid-point of 2010, helping overall buyer affordability and housing market recovery.

So on the basis of everything that has been predicted for this new year, the good news is, if you do decide to go house-shopping in 2011, you can afford to be a ruthless customer, and grab that property bargain.