Number of residential transactions up by 8.1%

The provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in October 2020 was 105,630, 8.1% higher than October 2019, according to data from the HMRC.

On a monthly basis, the number of UK residential transactions saw a 9.8% uplift.

Looking to non-residential transactions in October 2020, this figure stood at 9,140, which was 5.1% higher year-on-year, and up 6.2% on September 2020.

Hackney buyers unable to complete local authority searches before March 31

In addition, on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, there were 121,740 residential transactions in October 2020 which is a year-on-year increase of 13.7% and 23.7% higher than in September 2020.

There were 9,840 non-residential transactions in October 2020, non-seasonally adjusted, which was down 6.1% on October 2019 however, up 12.8% month-on-month.

Sam Mitchell, chief executive of Strike, said: “October was another busy month for the housing market, with transactions still rising despite the tougher lockdown restrictions.

“The government’s stamp duty holiday has created such a strong pipeline of activity that we believe this pattern could continue right up until the end of March.

“It’s shaping up to be a phenomenal end to the year for the UK property market.

“News of a vaccine has boosted confidence, and people are still rushing to benefit from the stamp duty holiday incentive – both contributing to us having a record-breaking day for offers just last Monday.

“Regardless, we don’t expect any change in the rising number of people looking to move in light of changing circumstances, with the lockdown baby boom and flexible working being two of the many reasons we’ve had more sellers than ever knocking at our door.”

Nigel Purves, chief executive of Wayhome, added: “The HMRC has reported a continued rise in the number of transactions in the residential property market, likely as buyers rush to complete before the stamp duty cut ends in March.

“The property boom is so far showing no signs of slowing down, and there is a risk of a two-track market emerging, where those who can afford to buy are accounting for the increase in property transactions and the reluctant renters and first time buyers are left behind.

“It’s time we address how to even the playing field when it comes to homeownership.”

Paul Stockwell, chief commercial officer at Gatehouse Bank, said: “The pent-up energy buyers have brought to the housing market since the end of the first national lockdown hasn’t abated and transaction volumes continue to climb.

“Deal levels have recovered from the April slump and are now higher than last year’s figures and, with data from the Bank of England showing mortgage approvals in September represented the highest levels of agreed borrowing since before the Global Financial Crisis, this trend looks likely to continue over the coming months.

“However, with the stamp duty discount deadline looming in March, sellers and buyers alike will feel the pressure to get the deal over-the-line as soon as possible, heaping pressure on the property industry as we close out the year.”