UK residential property transactions increased in June, suggesting underlying housing market activity is strengthening following distortions caused by last year's stamp duty deadline, according to HMRC.

The provisional seasonally adjusted estimate showed 98,700 residential transactions completed during June, up 2% year-on-year and marginally higher than May. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, transactions rose to 103,050, up 6% from a year earlier and 11% month-on-month.

HMRC said comparisons with 2025 should be viewed in context, as transactions were pulled forward into March ahead of stamp duty land tax threshold changes in England and Northern Ireland, leading to weaker activity in April and May last year. It said the June 2026 increase was therefore more reflective of improving underlying market conditions.

Non-residential transactions also registered higher month-on-month, but remained 4% below June 2025 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Richard Sexton, managing director at Legal & General Surveying Services, said the figures indicated buyers and sellers were becoming more willing to proceed with transactions after a period of uncertainty, but warned against uniformed judgements.

Sexton said: "A rising tide does not lift all boats equally. In the housing market, stronger transaction numbers are welcome, but the real test is whether confidence is being matched by sound decision-making. It is also important to recognise that national transaction figures rarely tell a uniform story. Activity levels can vary significantly by region, property type and local market dynamics, with some areas experiencing stronger momentum than others.”

Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, added the figures pointed to a housing market moving at a steady pace rather than a lack of demand and called for regulatory clarity. He said: "Our latest research shows continued intent, with 8% of homeowners in England currently planning to move or already doing so.

"This is further evidence that reforming the home-buying and selling process must remain a priority for our new Housing Minister and the Government. We have seen positive signs, but maintaining momentum will be essential to delivering a process that provides greater certainty for buyers and sellers while supporting a more fluid housing market."

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