HM Revenue and Customs figures published last week showed an estimated 64,680 house sales took place in April – 64 per cent lower than the 177,440 reported in March (PA Archive)
The average UK house price reached £273,427 in May, with an annual increase of 3.5 per cent, slightly higher than April's 3.4 per cent.
Nationwide's chief economist, Robert Gardner, cited "supportive" underlying conditions for buyers, including low unemployment and rising earnings.
A stamp duty holiday ended in March, leading to a rush of sales before the deadline and a subsequent 64 per cent drop in house sales in April, according to HMRC figures.
Experts suggest that despite the stamp duty changes, the market remains active, with lenders trimming mortgage rates and an increase in property listings providing opportunities for buyers.