Writing in his popular newsletter a couple of months ago, Money Saving Expert founder Lewis advised people who are not yet on the property ladder to open a Help to Buy ISA.

He said: “If you think you’ll need these [a Government top-up account] but aren’t sure, just open them. You need £1 in a Help To Buy ISA by November 30 or you lose the opportunity.”

He also appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday (6 September), saying: “The easiest, simplest form of help for first-time buyers to build a deposit closes to new applicants on 30 November – now less than three months away.

“First-time buyers saving in Help to Buy ISAs get a 25% boost from the state, so each £1,000 saved becomes £1,250.

“So if you may one day want to buy a home, consider opening one now with £1 or more, as then the facility stays available until 2029.

“The Help to Buy ISA’s replacement, the Lifetime ISA (LISA) also gives a 25% boost - but other terms differ, so choosing a winner is complex…”

Help to Buy ISA: open a savings account before the deadline, advises money expert