In the first three months of the residential property prices followed a downward trend, as values recovered from strong growth in the second half of 2020 to more normal levels, in anticipation of the end of the stamp duty holiday. The announcement of its extension led to a clear and immediate change in direction, with a rapid surge in buyer demand accelerating through the month.

Freed from making the substantial up front tax payment on purchases up to the value of £500,000 until the end of June and £250,000 until the autumn, buyers are enjoying greater affordability and a boost in confidence, with many also having accrued substantial cash savings during lockdown. Meanwhile, Rightmove reported the greatest excess of demand over supply seen in the last decade.

Prices will remain stable in April (0.0%) and dip by 5.3% in May, before rising by 2.8% in June – three months after the stamp duty holiday extension announcement.

Rob Houghton, CEO of Reallymoving, said: “Agents and portals across the UK have been reporting a surge in buyer demand following the stamp duty extension announcement, and now through our analysis of conveyancing quote data, we’re seeing the first clear evidence that this activity has led buyers and sellers to agree deals at higher prices in March, which will become evident in Land Registry data in the early summer.

“Many homebuyers have cash in the bank, money is cheap to borrow and, with lockdown restrictions now beginning to ease, people are feeling optimistic about a future where they may be less tied to an office-based 9 to 5, giving them greater freedom to live where they choose.

“First-time buyers are currently enjoying a 56% market share and with the first Government guaranteed 95% loans expected to become available any day now, we’re optimistic that they will continue to maintain these activity levels despite greater competition for homes and rising prices.”