The number of properties up for sale has risen by 12% ahead of the Autumn Budget on October 30, Zoopla’s September House price Index has found.
A third of these homes are ‘chain free’, including investment properties, while 13% were previously rented out.
Buyer demand is up 26% year-on-year, which is working to keep house prices at a steady level.
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance, Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Owners are falling over themselves in a rush to shift holiday homes and buy-to-let investment properties.
“They’re panicking that changes that might come through in the Budget could saddle them with a huge tax bill on their gains, making property investments even less attractive from a tax perspective.
“Fortunately for sellers, this wave of property listings isn’t forcing prices down, because demand from buyers is on the up too. It’s helping to protect sellers from yet another disappointment in their property investment journey.
“However, it’s still a buyer’s market, so they can’t afford to overprice their property – especially if they’re after a quick sale ahead of any potential tax changes.”
