In response to today’s HMRC Property Transactions Data which showed that the number of UK residential transactions in April 2025 is 64,680, 28% lower than April 2024 and 64% lower than March 2025, Nick Leeming, Chairman of Jackson-Stops, comments:
“The strength of activity in March 2025 has led to a natural recalibration in April. But there remains reasons to be positive, with the IMF’s upgraded 2025 UK growth forecast and the Bank of England’s recent base rate cut underpinning greater confidence from buyers.
"Across the Jackson-Stops network, we continue to see demand outpacing supply with, on average, five potential buyers competing for every new listing, in April.
“An uptick in listings into the summer months may also emerge in response to a raft of fixed-rate mortgage deals expiring this year. Homeowners who face significantly increased rates may consider their next move carefully, with one option being downsizing.
“The country market, particularly in the larger family home segment, is well-placed to benefit from this trend, offering an opportunity for more substantial, much needed family homes, to re-enter the market.
“Incentivising downsizing and ensuring suitable homes are built for an ageing population will be critical here and should be a clear focus for Government when delivering on its 1.5 million new homes commitment.”
