The UK housing market is busier than it was a year ago, defying the normal summer slowdown, according to Zoopla.
The property website said buyer demand rose by 11% in the four weeks to 20 June compared with the same period in 2024, while agreed sales were up 8%.
Many buyers have been eager to secure deals before the typical August lull, helped by recent changes in mortgage affordability rules, which allow some people to borrow more.
Despite this stronger activity, Zoopla has halved its house price forecast for 2025.
The group pointed to higher stamp duty costs in England and Northern Ireland after temporary reliefs ended in April, saying these charges are now reflected in buyer offers, particularly in the south.
Average UK house prices are £268,400, up 1.3% over the year, with faster growth seen in Scotland, Wales and northern England, and much sharper rises in Northern Ireland.