Hope Capital comments on HMRC Property Transaction figures

Commenting on the HMRC transaction figures, Jonathan Sealey, CEO at Hope Capital said: “The figures from HMRC this morning are remarkable even when you take into account the SDLT holiday factor, which will have driven homebuyers to beat the previous deadline.

“To see the number of transactions double what they were a-year-ago is a real shot in the arm for the market and the wider economy as we continue to make our way out of the pandemic crisis.

“With the chancellor’s extension of the SDLT holiday to the end of June, we have avoided the cliff edge that the market feared before Christmas, although it’s likely numbers will drop back in April as the pressure eases.

“However, the market could face a long hot summer as we get closer to the new deadline, which is where specialist lenders can play a key role in offering choice and flexibility that high street lenders can’t provide.”

Published: 22 April 2021