UK residential property transactions increased by 4% in July compared to the same period last year, with the seasonally adjusted estimates showing a 1% rise since June. The provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate also sits 4% higher than July 2024, with the monthly increase rising by 5%.
Seasonally adjusted non-residential transactions were 1% lower than June 2025, but 1% higher than July 2024. Non-seasonally adjusted non-residential transactions were 4% higher than June 2025.
The figures were met with widespread relief by industry commentators, who welcomed the news as evidence of buyer confidence and an easing of affordability pressures.
Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, said the data confirms the housing market is continuing to regain momentum. He added:
“This steady recovery reflects renewed confidence among buyers and sellers, supported by the recent interest rate cut and improving mortgage approval figures.
“While affordability pressures remain, with inflation still elevated and mortgage rates showing only limited relief, the direction of travel is encouraging. We’re seeing solid levels of activity across the market, underpinned by a wider choice of homes for sale and buyers who are increasingly motivated by greater stability in borrowing costs.
“Looking ahead, we expect this positive momentum to carry into the remainder of the year, albeit tempered by price sensitivity and a softer economic backdrop. Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of steady recovery for the housing market, and today’s figures reinforce that the foundations are firmly in place for continued stability.”
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, welcomed the news as a boost for buyers:
“Housing sales are steadily increasing as mortgage rates have stabilised and buyers have been given a boost to buying power from less stringent affordability requirements. The market is on track for 5% more sales in 2025 at 1.15 million, the highest since 2022. This is despite property tax speculation and mortgage rates drifting higher.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, said the figures indicate an improvement in affordability and confidence:
“It is extremely positive to see an uplift in the number of people completing on their property transaction month on month, as it is a clear-cut indicator of overall affordability and consumer confidence.”
Nick Hale, CEO of Movera, expects transactions to gain momentum:
“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.”
And Andrew Lloyd, managing director at Search Acumen, thinks the news is a sign that buyers are pushing ahead with purchase plans:
“Speculation is running hot in the residential market over whether new housing taxes at the top end could pull the handbrake on transaction activity. For now, though, buyers are still pressing the accelerator, with bargain-hunters powering through with their summer moves.”
From a developers’ point of view, Spicerhaart Part Exchange and Group Clients divisional director Neil Knight, said:
“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.”
