CPBigwood managing partner Brett Williams backed the promised reform of business rates.

He said: “This has been a bone of contention for a very long time and badly needs addressing.

“The commercial property world has long been frustrated by a system which is clearly inadequate for purpose.”

But he welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that he was extending help to high street shops, pubs and cafes, from the £1,000 discount on rates introduced last year to £1,500 next year.

And there was a big hurrah from CPBigwood for the extensive re-shaping of stamp duty – the system will be changed so that each rate will only apply to the part of the property price that falls within that band, like income tax.

Clive Thompson, head of residential sales & lettings for both the Stratford-upon-Avon and Henley-in-Arden offices, said: “It is really good news and will help take away some of the ‘black holes’ at the £250,000 and £500,000 hurdles, making the market more fluid.

“It will in particular help the middle market and aspiring families wanting to move up the ladder and get a larger family home “This confirms that 2015 should be a good year to move. This has been what buyers have been wanting for a long time. My advice is – get your house on now and sell soon in order to take advantage of an expected rise in much needed levels of property available.”