The ongoing investigation into RICS treasury management is now being headed up by Alison Levitt QC, after departure of previous probe boss.

Agents say Chancellor's decision to extend Stamp Duty holiday saw sales, appraisals and buyer enquiries increase last month.

Thousands of vendors were waiting for 3rd March announcement on Stamp Duty, instructions which have now also been buoyed by Covid roadmap.

Initiative is results of its Home Survey Standard launched last year to usher in changes to its surveys after 'listening to consumers'.

Recent instructions and sales surge is showing signs of weakening as third Covid lockdown and Stamp Duty cliff-face impact confidence.

RICS says activity has been coming off the boil since early December and that lockdown will mute home moving further.

Sunday Times column Prufrock uncovers internal unhappiness at the way the organisation is being run.

RICS says most sales indicators are coming off the boil, but are unsure if it will pick up again in January.