House sales is rising
The number of homes sold in the UK has continued to rise, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Some 62,000 residential properties costing more than £40,000 were sold in May, up 7% on the previous month.
The figure was the highest since October but still well down on the level of transactions seen during the boom in the housing market.
The data is the latest to show a steady rise in interest from buyers, following similar rises in mortgage approvals.