CONFIDENCE in Britain's commercial property market remains positive but less strong than it was six months ago, a survey of businesses revealed today.

"There is less confidence over the next six months than over the last six months," Mr Stuart Morley, research head at property consultants Grimley, told a briefing on the Confederation of British Industry/Grimley report.

Mr Morley said he was surprised by this result, which did not reflect the strong demand for property experienced on the ground.

The survey, which covers 564 British firms, found 23 per cent expected to increase property holdings, while 22 per cent expected to decrease holdings, giving a positive balance of one per cent.