Residential property receipts that attracted stamp duty jumped 16% in the last three months of last year compared to the previous quarter, HMRC data shows.  

The department adds that these receipts were 27% higher than the same period a year ago. 

It points out that residential property transactions that attracted stamp duty rose 9% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, HMRC data shows. 

These transactions were 20% higher than the same period a year ago. 

Coventry Building Society calculated last week homebuyers paid a total of £13bn in stamp duty last year. 

In April, the current stamp duty threshold of £250,000 will halve to its previous level of £125,000, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves decided not to extend this temporary relief in her October Budget. 

For first-time buyers, the stamp duty threshold falls to £300,000 from £425,000, while the maximum purchase price FTBs relief can be claimed on will fall to £500,000 from the current level of £625,000. 

The expected busy period will also coincide with industrial action from 4,000 Land Registry staff across 14 offices in England and Wales.