The average number of sales agreed per member branch saw a dip in December 2024 compared to the previous month.
The average number of market appraisals conducted per member branch in December 2024 stood at 15, the latest housing insight report from Propertymark reveals.
As far as lettings is concerned, Propertymark says 54% of members agents in December reported that rents remained generally static.
Meanwhile, rental arrears show a welcome dip in December 2024 and year-on-year the figure also points towards a more heathy outlook.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “Winter is historically quieter in the sales market as people hunker down for the festive period. However, with the announcement that many will see increases in their stamp duty bill from April 2025, which will cost the average buyer in some cases, thousands of extra pounds, we expect there to be a noticeable shift in activity moving into 2025.
“In the lettings market, rent levels in some areas across the country are being forced to drop as many renters are being pushed to their limits when it comes to long-term affordability. With the ongoing legislative and regulatory pressures placed on investors, this is causing a lack of supply against a backdrop of growing demand. This long-standing issue needs to be addressed to provide a sustainable and effective private rented sector, and this can only be achieved by incentivising rather than penalising good landlords who provide crucial homes to the nation.”