PCL househunters are looking for village charm, says buying agency

"Activity in the residential investment sector is once again picking up", says buying agency Garrington, although the firm reports "a different profile" of buyer in the sector.

Runaway property price growth in the regions is likely to soften from next year, predicts Savills, while Prime Central London prices are set for a sharp upwards bounce once international travel resumes.

"The stamp duty holiday was perfectly timed to enable more people to improve their set up by moving," says Marsh & Parsons.