You are here: Home - Mortgages - First Time Buyer - News -

Property transactions dip to 102,000 in December

0
Written by: Shekina Tuahene
24/01/2023
In December, 101,920 residential property transactions completed, a 3% year-on-year fall, Government figures show.

Residential transaction levels in the UK had been stable in recent months but weaker in December, according to HMRC.

However, it noted that completions were still higher than pre-pandemic levels. For example, there were 99,510 transactions in December 2019. 

For the financial year so far starting from April 2022, there have been a total of 938,350 residential transactions in the UK. 

Property experts said the figures suggested the market was still doing well but the next few months would set a clearer scene. 

Tomer Aboody, director of MT Finance, said with transactions staying relatively stable over the year, it was an “encouraging indication as to the state of the British property market with buyers still pushing transactions and sales”.  

He added: “Whereas pricing might be slightly down and completion times are taking slightly longer, many buyers are still looking to proceed with their purchase in order to take advantage of pre-agreed mortgages with lower rates, secured earlier on in the year.

“How transaction levels will look in a couple of months’ time could be very different, however, due to higher mortgage rates and fewer buyers prepared to pull the trigger.” 

Karl Wilkinson, CEO at Access Financial Services, said: “The housing transactions figures suggest that Q4 2022 was more robust than the doomsayers predicted. Despite rising mortgage rates, and energy cost concerns, consumers were still ready to borrow. 

Clare Beardmore, director at Legal and General Mortgage Club, said the sector would have to wait to see the full impact of last year’s market volatility but for now, transaction levels were healthy. 

She added: “Our market is not without its challenges, however, there are plenty of reasons to be positive for the year ahead. Average mortgage rates have begun to fall again and lenders are keen to add to their loan books in a competitive lending market, which is all good news for consumers and represents a big opportunity for advisers to show their value.” 

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Everything you wanted to know about ISAs…but were afraid to ask

The new tax year is less than a fortnight away and for ISA savers or investors, it’s hugely important. If yo...

Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes

There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...

Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?

Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling

The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...

Money Tips of the Week