The number of home sales in the UK in September was 17% lower than in the same month in 2022, according to HM Revenue & Customs figures, as higher interest rates continue to depress the housing market.
Across the UK, an estimated 85,610 home sales took place in September 2023, which was also 1% lower than in August.
In the financial year so far (April to September), an estimated 507,670 home sales have taken place.
This compares with 632,520 home sales during the same period a year earlier and 782,420 transactions between April and September in 2021.
Mortgage rates have jumped amid a string of Bank of England base rate rises, but there have been some recent signs of fixed-rates edging down amid expectations around inflation.
Strong wage growth may also help to support some transactions, although households remain squeezed by rising bills.