The need for more space inside and out isn’t the only factor boosting the house market right now.

The prospect of tougher conditions next year for those wanting to move up the property ladder is motivating buyers to get weaving while the going’s a lot better than it might be in a few months’ time.

Presenting the year end results for Persimmon Homes this week, senior analyst Ben Nuttall said the company is benefitting from the temporary stamp duty holiday and also the terms of the current Help to Buy scheme which next year will become less favourable.

He explained: “After the extended deadline of April 1, 2021, Help to Buy is set to change. The new scheme will only be available for first time buyers. This is driving a significant influx of people looking to trade up to houses before that date.

“The revised scheme is also expected to have more requirements, new design criteria and regional price caps.”

Latest analysis from estate agent Knight Frank shows the early impact of the second lockdown on the house market “bears little resemblance to the first.”

Tom Bill, the firm’s head of residential research for the UK says the number of viewings between Monday and Thursday last week was 15 per cent lower than the previous week but the number of valuations was 38 per cent higher. Exchanges were also up by 11 per cent on the back of the high number of deals going under offer in recent months.

“Many are warning that parts of the conveyancing system are struggling to cope,” Mr Bill said.

Meanwhile, one of the country’s leading developers has donated a thousand pounds to a charity working to help the vulnerable in Bucks keep their chins up in the aftermath of the Covid crisis. Barratt and its “sister” company David Wilson Homes has pitched in with financial help to support the organisation called SPACE operating in the Aylesbury Vale local authority area.

Project co-ordinator Kate Lawton, pictured on her rounds with colleagues Catherine and Tracey, says the charity steps in with practical help such as shopping and collecting prescriptions.

“They can also provide emotional support when the need is simply for someone in the role of a friendly neighbour with the time to listen.

Kate says: “The charity helps anyone who may seek it, for example those suffering from loneliness, long term illness, bereavement, stress, anxiety, relationship breakdown or financial issues.

“Seventy five per cent of those we work have been diagnosed with a mental health problem.

“The cash will fund our councillors and support workers to continue and increase the hours for one to one sessions and group meetings with marginalised adults in our community.”