Property Sales and Transactions

Property Sales and Transactions

The Property Sales and Transactions data records details of property sales in England and Wales submitted to HM Land Registry for registration. This dataset includes information on residential and some commercial property sales that have been transacted for monetary value.

Timing of Registration

The time between the sale of a property and its registration with HM Land Registry varies, typically taking 2 weeks to 2 months. However, some registrations may take longer due to delays in lodging the transaction. Data for the two most recent months is often incomplete and does not fully represent final monthly transaction volumes.

Data Excluded from Property Transactions

The dataset excludes certain types of transactions that do not involve monetary value or fall under specific legal exceptions. These exclusions include:

• Unlodged sales: Transactions not submitted to HM Land Registry.

• Non-monetary transactions: Transfers, gifts, or conveyances without a financial value.

• Nominal rent transactions: Transfers involving a premium with nominal rent, such as:

  • ‘Right to Buy’ sales at a discount.

  • Transfers subject to an existing mortgage.

  • Sales involving partial property shares (e.g., divorce settlements).

  • Compulsory purchase orders or court-ordered transfers.

  • Transfers under deeds of appointment or vesting deeds.

  • Transactions involving multiple properties.

These exclusions ensure that the data represents only true sales for value.

Applications of Property Transaction Data

This data is widely used for:

• Market Analysis: Assessing property prices and transaction volumes.

• Policy Making: Informing housing policies and urban development.

• Legal and Financial Planning: Supporting due diligence in property transactions and valuations.

Recent Updates and Legal Framework

• Land Registration Act 2002: Governs property transactions and registrations.

• Transparency and Accountability: Recent efforts under the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022 have aimed to enhance reporting and reduce risks related to property fraud and tax evasion.

Useful Links for Further Reading

1. HM Land Registry: Price Paid Data Provides access to historical and current datasets on property transactions, offering insights into property prices and trends.

2. Land Registration Act 2002 Explains the legal requirements for property registrations and transactions, ensuring clarity on the rules governing these processes.

3. HMRC: Property Transactions Data Includes statistics on UK property transactions based on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns, complementing Land Registry data.