UK house sales soared by 53 per cent last month compared with the previous year, new estimates reveal, though experts have cautioned that stamp duty changes are “distorting” the market.
According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures, 101,030 residential transactions were completed across the UK in April. This compares to 65,960 in the same month of 2025.
The sharp increase was driven by lower activity levels the year prior, as homebuyers rushed to complete sales before stamp duty changes kicked in at the start of the month.
The changes scrapped stamp duty relief on higher-priced homes, available since 2022, meaning some homebuyers paid more tax after the deadline.
Despite this year-on-year spike, April 2026’s figure was 3 per cent lower than the previous month. Experts said this pointed to signs of housing market resilience over the spring, even as the Middle East war continues to impact the mortgage market.
Many mortgage deals were pulled amid financial uncertainty prompted by the conflict, although some mortgage products have been trickling back onto the market in recent weeks.
Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, said: “Today’s HMRC figures point to a rebound in housing transactions in April 2026, although the rise needs to be viewed in the context of a highly distorted comparison period last year.
“Activity in April 2025 was unusually subdued after many buyers pulled purchases forward into March to complete ahead of stamp duty changes.
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“The figures are another reminder of the extent to which stamp duty continues to drive transaction timing and market behaviour, often obscuring underlying levels of demand”.
Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, said the market had become “more balanced and sustainable” and that “needs-based movers continue to underpin activity… regardless of wider economic or geopolitical conditions”.
“There are also encouraging signs within the mortgage market,” he added.
“Inflation easing to 3 per cent, combined with the Bank of England holding rates steady, has helped improve confidence, while lenders are sharpening their pencils and becoming increasingly competitive on mortgage pricing.
“As rates begin to soften again, this should help support further activity over the coming months”.
