Data from Halifax shows the average price per square metre across Britain has increased by 227pc over the past 20 years, from £621 in 1995 to £2,033 in 2015.

This effect has been particularly pronounced in London and the South East, with prices per square metre soaring by 388pc over this period in Greater London; more than twice the increases in northern England, Scotland, Wales and the Midlands.

Snugglers three of the leading designs at John Lewis, the snuggler is around a third smaller than a regular two-seater sofa. Sales of snugglers are up 13pc this year it said.

Sales of slimline dishwashers, which are typically 45cm wide compared 60cm models, are also up by 9pc.

John Lewis said sales of "small double" beds - typically around 10pc smaller than standard double beds - are up by 34pc.  The width of a small double bed is 127cm against a standard double of 142cm.

(Source: telegraph.co.uk  Author: Katie Morley)