As of Sunday new restrictions were introduced in areas including London, Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire. Those in Tier 4  cannot mix indoors with anyone not from their household.

George Franks, co-founder Radstock Property, said: “Though the Treasury has confirmed the Stamp Duty deadline of March 31 will stand, this government has backtracked and U-turned so many times that frankly anything is possible.

“Just a few days ago Boris Johnson was saying to cancel Christmas would be “inhuman” and yet Christmas, for millions, was cancelled overnight.

“The Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has confirmed the sales and rental markets, and all associated markets in Tier 4 areas remain open, but in the eyes of a growing number of prospective buyers and sellers there’s a risk they’re starting to feel shut.

“The furlough goalposts have been moved time and again so why not the looming Stamp Duty deadline, which risks creating a cliff-edge market?”