HMRC property transactions data - comment from Neil Knight, Spicerhaart Part-Exchange and Assisted Move

23 October 2019

Commenting on today’s HMRC property transactions figures, Neil Knight, business development director at Spicerhaart Part-Exchange and Assisted Move, said: “The latest HMRC transactions figures are really encouraging. Although there is a slight fall from August, this is to be expected as activity tends to drop off during the summer, resulting in fewer completions in September.

“On a seasonally-adjusted basis, the numbers are up by 5 per cent month-on-month, and the raw numbers are up more than 6 per cent from the same time last year.

“If you take into account the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit – and there’s just a glimmer of light at the end of that particular tunnel – this paints a pretty rosy picture. We’re certainly continuing to see strong demand at Spicerhaart and I’m hopeful that if MPs can now get Brexit sorted, we will see a lot more confidence return to the market.

“We’re also looking to the Chancellor to make some changes to Stamp Duty, which is having a very damaging effect on people looking to move home.”