Property sales rise as demand soars

July saw a jump in property sales, according to official data, but levels were still well below those seen last year. Figures from HM Revenue & Customs showed that there were 70,710 sales in July, up 14.5% on June. The market was boosted due to pent-up demand with no property transactions taking place during lockdown. However, sales were still 27.4% lower than last July. July's figures do not incorporate the expected "mini-boom" in transactions following the Government's cut to stamp duty announced on July 8. The HMRC numbers only show completed sales.

The Daily Telegraph (21/08/2020)   The Times (21/08/2020)