In terms of the non-seasonally adjusted estimate of residential transactions, this rose by 7% to 105,730 in December 2025, compared with December 2024 and 1% higher than November 2025.

The provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of the number of UK non-residential transactions in December 2025 was 10,640, a 7% increase from December 2024 and 10% lower than November of this year.

Meanwhile, the provisional non-seasonally adjusted estimate for non-residential transactions in December 2025 increased by 11% to 11,850 from December 2024 and 4% higher than November 2025.

Industry professionals have given their say on the figures:

Jeremy Leaf, estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman:

“At a time when we might have expected more of a pause at least as these figures reflect activity particularly leading up to the Budget at the end of November, buyers and sellers have demonstrated considerable resilience.

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“We have certainly noticed more activity since that time, which has resulted in more urgency although sales are still taking longer to complete." 

Tomer Aboody, director of specialist lender MT Finance:

“Although it looks as though transaction numbers are trending higher, both buyers and sellers are not completely committed as yet."

“Hopefully, a period of lower mortgage rates combined with a lack of patience and eagerness to get deals done, will see higher transaction levels in the forthcoming year."

Jason Tebb, President of OnTheMarket:

“Transaction numbers remain steady as the housing market demonstrates resilience, despite many wider economic and political concerns.

“The series of interest rate reductions from the Bank of England have provided reassurance for buyers and sellers, and helped ease affordability.

“Further rate reductions this year will only strengthen the market and encourage those planning to move, enabling them to plan ahead with more confidence.”

“Now that the uncertainty created by the Budget is behind us, there is clarity and increased confidence.

“As some lenders reduce their mortgage rates, the early signs for this year are encouraging and most of the agents we have spoken to have seen a better start to this year than Q1 2025."