Residential property transactions hit a total 164,650 in March, a figure up 89% on the same month in 2024, new data published by HMRC has shown.

The Government’s non-seasonally adjusted estimate was also 80% higher than the previous month.

March was the final month before the Government’s changes to stamp duty came into effect, and the increase from February’s total was the third highest month-on-month jump since HMRC records began for non-seasonally adjusted figures, behind only March 2016 and June 2021.

HMRC’s monthly estimates are based on its own records as well as those of Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Revenue Authority, for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in each of the three nations, respectively.

The latest figures also revealed that for non-residential property, March recorded 12,090 transactions, a 37% climb from February as well as a 7% jump on the same month last year.

Propertymark CEO, Nathan Emerson, commented: “The rush to avoid stamp duty threshold changes across England and Northern Ireland spurred many people to prioritise their purchase before the recent 1 April 2025 deadline.

“However, it will now be key to see sustained momentum in the sector during the traditionally busy spring and summer months. As the housing market starts to follow the usual buoyant seasonal trends, we are likely to see an influx of properties for sale for those in a prime position to find their next ideal home.”

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