Sealed bids are taking place almost weekly as competing offers have created higher prices. We have more buyers this year, less property and the frustrations over buyers securing property continues.

That's Andy Buchanan of Chelsea's John D Wood & Co, and part of a very bullish overall market report by the estate agency - characterised by talk, in every office, of a serious shortage of quality property. Interestingly, it's (apparently) not just the family-sized houses that are sparking bidding frenzies. According to one agent in Primrose Hill, one-bedroom flats - the traditional ftb purchase - are moving into sealed bid territory, too.