UK residential property transactions fell 3% in April 2026, according to the latest HMRC figures.

Seasonally adjusted transactions were 101,030, down 3% from March but up 53% from April 2025.

Non-seasonally adjusted transactions stood at 85,880, down 16% month-on-month but up 51% year-on-year.

HMRC said the large annual increase was mainly due to weak activity in April 2025.

This followed changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax thresholds on 1 April 2025. Many buyers completed purchases in March 2025 before the changes took effect.

Non-residential property transactions also fell in April. Seasonally adjusted transactions dropped 6% from March to 9,960.

That was still 1% higher than a year earlier. Non-seasonally adjusted transactions totalled 9,860. That was slightly lower than April 2025 and 20% below March 2026 levels.

HMRC said the figures are based on completed sales. These usually happen two to four months after an offer is made. The figures may not reflect current market conditions.

OnTheMarket president Jason Tebb said: “The slight dip in transaction numbers month-on month suggests consistent resilience from the housing market in the face of economic and political uncertainty.

“Rather than stepping back and delaying decisions, buyers and sellers are mostly adapting to change and continuing to progress with their transactions.”

MT Finance director of specialist lender Tomer Aboody said: “Market conditions are tough, with lack of affordability the overriding concern for many, particularly first-time buyers and those trying to purchase in the more expensive parts of the country such as London and the southeast.

“A year ago, buyers were coming to terms with the removal of the stamp duty concession and the increased cost of this, with transactions plummeting as purchases were brought forward to take advantage of the concession. This demonstrates how important government action can be in stimulating housing market activity.”