The number of sales and purchase agreements for all building types rose significantly in August over the same period a year earlier, as did the value of these agreements.

According to figures released by the Land Registry today, the total number of sale and purchase agreements for all types of building units received for registration in August was 7,947. This was an increase of 3.8% over July 2003 and 31.3% over the same period a year earlier.

Using a 12-month moving average, the figure for August represented an increase of 2.5% over July, but a decrease of 14.1% compared with August 2002.

The total consideration of these agreements in the month was $15.3 billion, down 8.4% from July, but up 13.9% compared with the amount for August 2002.

The Land Registry provides relevant statistics for July and August 2002 for comparison. It also released figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months and the year-on-year rate of change.

These statistics generally relate to land transactions executed up to four weeks prior to their submission for registration, as there is usually a time lag between the execution of deeds and their lodgement for registration.