The survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said 73% of members reported a fall in the number of properties with three or more bedrooms coming on to the market in September. East Anglia and the West Midlands experienced the biggest falls - 87% and 82% respectively.

The figures will concern those looking to invest in property as buy-to-let landlords, part of the market which generally looks for larger properties, especially in student areas.

A RICS spokesman said:

"Although they are not the only factor, HIPs are continuing to have a detrimental impact on the housing market, in spite of assurances from the Housing Minister that this would not happen."

He added:

"The Government needs to take stock of the impact of HIPs is having on the housing market, and refocus on the need for genuine reform of the home buying and selling process."