UK house sales surged by 53% in April compared to the same month last year, according to new estimates from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The data shows 101,030 residential transactions were completed in April, up from 65,960 in April 2025.
Experts caution that the sharp increase is largely due to stamp duty changes distorting the market. The previous year saw unusually low activity as buyers rushed to complete purchases before stamp duty reforms took effect at the start of that month, which scrapped relief on higher-priced homes introduced in 2022.
Despite the annual spike, April's figure was 3% lower than March, which some analysts say indicates underlying resilience in the housing market. The Middle East war has impacted the mortgage market, with many deals pulled amid financial uncertainty, though some products have returned in recent weeks.
Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, said: “Today’s HMRC figures point to a rebound in housing transactions in April 2026, although the rise needs to be viewed in the context of a highly distorted comparison period last year.” Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, noted that “needs-based movers continue to underpin activity” and that easing inflation and steady interest rates are improving confidence.
