Property transactions increase 25% in May 2025 from previous month

However, transactions fell by 12% in May 2025 compared with the same month in 2024.

For the non-seasonally adjusted number of residential transactions, the number fell by 13% to 80,530 in May 2025 compared with the year before but increased by 42% from April of this year.

In terms of non-residential transactions, figures in May 2025 were at 9,760, 5% lower than May 2024, and 4% higher than April 2025 when taken for seasonally adjusted.

Meanwhile for non-seasonally adjusted they were at 9,520, 9% lower than May 2024 and marginally lower (less than 1%) than April 2025.

Finance professionals gave their say on the figures
 

Jason Tebb, president at OnTheMarket:

“May saw a recovery in transactions following April's slump, which had reflected buyers bringing forward purchases in order to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday.

“This data shows that the housing market remains remarkably resilient. Despite a hold in base rate this month from the BoE, further reductions are expected later in the year, which should further boost buyer and seller confidence.

“Several rate reductions since last August have greatly helped motivate buyers and sellers to transact.”
 

Tomer Aboody, director at MT Finance: 

“This was a positive month for the housing market with transaction levels increasing, although they are still lower than was the case 12 months ago.

“Confidence in the market is being fuelled by further mortgage rate cuts making purchases more affordable, although higher stamp duty is still holding some back.

"With the BoE holding rates this month when many were hoping for a cut, the big question is whether we will see another rate reduction this year.

“With the market needing fuel to really boost activity, either a rate cut or reduction in stamp duty is required, but with the Labour government seemingly intent on increasing taxes, further stamp duty reductions seem unlikely."