The UK Chancellor continues to resist heightened lockdown measures in sectors including the housing market, construction and manufacturing, despite mounting pressure to do more to tackle the coronavirus crisis.

Although Rishi Sunak recognises the need for additional restrictions, he cautioned MPs on Monday that the present measures are already causing “significant” damage to the economy.

Yet Downing Street said on Tuesday: “If we believe there is a need to take further action we will,” with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister refusing to completely rule out new restrictions for the housing market, reports the FT.

Guidelines set out by the government last week did warn of a closure of the market: “It may become necessary to pause all home moves locally or nationally for a short period of time to manage the spread of coronavirus.” 

However, according to Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of housebuilder Vistry Group: “Back in March our subcontractors were saying ‘we didn’t want to come in’. But we have proved that we can do it safely.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has urged the government to consider housing market restrictions to attempt to curb the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Yet according to government figures this week, ministers were “absolutely determined” to keep the housing market open: “All involved need to follow the guidance for moving home safely which has been issued by the government.”

The stamp duty holiday makes it difficult to close the property market again, say industry professionals. The government’s initiative led to a surge in sales, many of which have not yet been completed.

Dominic Agace, chief executive at Winkworth estate agency said: “There are probably more people under offer than there have been since 2007 and so there is a huge potential loss with a looming stamp duty deadline if they shut the market down.”

Recent data indicates Britain’s housing market has up to now been unaffected by the latest lockdown restrictions, with online property website Rightmove last week reporting its busiest start to the year ever.