The number of cash house sales in England and Wales has fallen by 45% over the past five years according to research by Property Solvers.

Between 2020-21 and 2024-25, annual cash transactions dropped from 799,592 to 437,903 – a reduction of more than 360,000 sales.

Ruban Selvanayagam, co-director at Property Solvers, said: “The fall in cash purchases mirrors a wider slowdown in the market. Buyers with or without mortgages are waiting for more clarity on where prices and rates will settle. It’s less about a loss of confidence and more about timing – people with capital are being patient.”

The South East accounted for 74,745 cash transactions in 2024–25, or around 17% of the national total. The North West (13%), East of England (12%), and South West (12%) follow closely behind. 

Selvanayagam said: “The South East remains ahead because homeowners there have built up more equity and are less reliant on borrowing. Many are downsizing or helping family members buy outright, which can keep cash transactions strong even as the wider market cools.”