Signs of extreme property sales activity have been reported in early April, including multiple bids and a marked increase in gazumping. Countrywide says that 36% of properties for sale across its 600-branch network received three or more bids and that 18% attracted offers from five or more potential buyers. 

The estate agency giant also says nearly a third of properties within England and Wales sold for more than their asking price, the highest proportion since records began. At the same time last year, 19% of properties were sold for more than their asking price.