Andrew Lloyd, Managing Director at Search Acumen [1] (property data insight and technology provider), comments on HMRC’s property transaction data for August 2025:
- The seasonally adjusted estimate of UK non-residential (commercial) transactions 2% lower than August 2024 and 3% lower than July 2025.
- The seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions is 2% higher than August 2024 and 2% lower than July 2025.
“August’s property transaction data reflects the usual seasonal snooze, but the 2% drop compared to last year points to a growing hesitation greater than holiday absences. The commercial property market is in summer slowdown, signalling stalemate as confidence remains on pause whilst markets wait the Chancellors big moment come November.
“For lawyers, conveyancers, and deal professionals, the challenge remains keeping transactions moving in a market clouded by hesitation and external hurdles. Administrative bottlenecks and paperwork delays continue to stretch timelines, with fall-throughs on the rise – especially in high-demand areas.
“The months ahead will be defined by a delicate balance: process efficiency, investor confidence, and transactional capacity. How well these pieces come together will dictate whether the market stays in stalemate or sparks back into life.