The number of UK residential property transactions fell by 2% in July 2026 compared with June, according to the latest provisional figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Seasonally adjusted residential transactions stood at 96,710 in July, down from 98,390 in June and 1% lower than July 2025.
However, the non-seasonally adjusted estimate increased by 3% compared with June, reaching 106,620 transactions. This was also 5% higher than the 101,650 transactions recorded in July 2025.
The figures form part of HMRC’s latest monthly property transactions statistics, published on 28 August 2026, covering completed transactions during July.
Between April and July 2026 there were 389,490 non-seasonally adjusted residential transactions, compared with 337,530 during the same period of 2025 to 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, there were 393,800 transactions between April and July 2026, compared with 342,900 during the previous financial year.
HMRC cautioned that the latest figures are provisional because not all Stamp Duty Land Tax, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Land Transaction Tax returns have been received when the statistics are gathered. The figures are therefore expected to be revised in future months and generally settle after around three months.
The data represents completed transactions, which on average take two to four months after an initial offer is made on a property. As a result, HMRC said the figures do not necessarily represent the current strength of the property market.
HMRC’s figures cover transactions recorded through Stamp Duty Land Tax, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Land Transaction Tax, using records from HMRC, Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Revenue Authority.
SPF Private Clients chief executive Mark Harris said: “With seasonally-adjusted transaction numbers dipping slightly in July, a relatively steady number of buyers and sellers pressed ahead with their plans.
“Affordability remains an issue for many so with a number of lenders chipping away at their mortgage pricing in recent weeks, this is good news for those looking to move. The Bank of England’s decision to hold base rate sends out a strong message of stability, which we hope will continue for a while yet, even if inflation edges upwards in the short term.
“Volatility in mortgage pricing could well continue to be a feature of the autumn, as the past few months have shown us that the situation can shift quickly with little notice. Those in need of a mortgage may wish to secure a product sooner rather than later to protect themselves against fluctuating rates, and can revisit it before completion to see if a cheaper rate is available at that time.”