House sales have rocketed in Windsor and Maidenhead - up 69 per cent on last year.

According to figures released by Savills estate agents in Windsor High Street, there were 336 house sales recorded across the Royal Borough this August, up from 199 in 2019.

Peoples' lockdown experience and the recent stamp duty holiday seems to have fuelled the market.

ALSO READ Waste collection fiasco discussion barred from Windsor meeting

John Henson, who leads the residential team at Savills Windsor, said: "Those with the financial security to be able to move are acting on their changing priorities, their requirement for more space and in many cases, a reassessment of their work-life balance.

"The stamp duty holiday is also providing additional impetus and when combined with the experience of lockdown, is bringing forward purchases that may otherwise have happened in two or more years’ time.

“Windsor is a popular London relocation market that combines commutability, good schools and high-quality housing stock. But numbers of agreed sales have also been substantially boosted by activity in surrounding villages such as Pinkneys Green, Winkfield and Maidens Green, with particularly strong demand from those who want the benefit of countryside living within striking distance of a larger town.”

ALSO READ Windsor town centre will see 'two serious retailers' move in

A recent survey of Savills own clients carried out in mid-August also found that buyers’ determination to avoid compromise on lifestyle factors has intensified over the summer. Some 62% of respondents said the amount of garden or outside space had become more important, up from 49% in April. Home working also looks set to become a long term phenomenon, with 56% saying they are now more inclined to work from home more regularly.

But Mr Henson said buyers are keeping their feet firmly on the ground when it comes to what they are willing to pay.

He said: “The uncertain economic backdrop and the finishing of the furlough scheme at the end of October means short term price expectations remain cautious.”