Rightmove said visits to its website rose by 45% yesterday morning compared with a day earlier following the government’s decision to reopen the housing market as part of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Email enquiries to agents increased 70% and new listings also shot up with 2,115 new properties added in just five hours, the property website said.

Renters and buyers in England were given consent to move property again by the government on Tuesday, with many estate agents’ offices reopening yesterday and renters and buyers allowed to view properties in person.

Rightmove’s housing market expert Miles Shipside commented: “These are clear signs that the news from the government has prompted more home-hunters to start looking for their next home, and we anticipate further uplift in activity once agents have time to adjust to the new social distancing guidance specific to the home moving sector.

“Home movers who have been eagerly waiting to take their home moving plans to the next stage should show some patience with agents given the unexpected announcement, to ensure there’s time to adapt to the new guidelines and ensure everyone is kept safe.”