The latest HMRC figures show that residential property transactions rose in July both on the previous month and the previous year.
The provisional seasonally adjusted estimate stood at 95,580, an increase of 4% year-on-year. The figure also represents a 1% increase from June 2025.
The non-seasonally adjusted transactions stand at 101,070, also representing a 4% yearly increase and a 5% rise on the previous month.
The uptick in property transactions suggests that the housing market gained momentum over the summer, with steady growth in residential activity as well as modest increases in land transactions.
The figures suggest that momentum in the housing market has picked up during the summer, with steady increases in residential activity, while the commercial and land sector continues to show more modest movements.
Neil Knight, divisional director at Spicerhaart Part Exchange and Group Clients, said: “Further uplift in residential property transactions adds to the growing momentum we have seen in recent months. This upward trend is a clear sign that buyers have real confidence to push ahead with plans – buoyed by action and innovation from lenders, as well as increasing support from new build developers to facilitate purchases. While some mortgage rates may have crept up slightly in the last week, there’s no doubt that pre-emptive movement from lenders ahead of the August base rate cut certainly piqued the interest of some of those looking to move or buy.”
“From our perspective, new build pipelines are certainly looking healthy as developers continue to read the room and come forward with schemes and incentives to help overcome any obstacles for potential buyers. The likes of part exchange and assisted move schemes are becoming increasingly prevalent among developers and used by customers to streamline the sales process. Alongside first-time buyers, it’s great to see avenues for those already in properties as their activity is key in facilitating other moves across the market.”
Nick Hale, CEO of Movera, commented: “Alongside Zoopla’s House Price Index that put sales agreed up 5% on this time last year, these figures paint a positive picture of continued recovery from the slump that followed the end of the temporary nil-rate thresholds in April.”
“Given the recent interest rate cut by the BOE, this trend should continue, as buyers will be keen to secure the best mortgages while rates are down. A further cut or hold by the BOE in September would help to sustain buyer confidence and transaction momentum.”
