The number of offers accepted on homes in Liverpool in 2020 was up 53% year-on-year, according to new data from the free online estate agent Strike.

Despite a seven-week property market freeze and multiple lockdowns, viewing requests for properties in the city also rose by a staggering 46% compared to 2019.

A monthly breakdown of the figures shows that July was the busiest month for the property market, with Strike reporting a 112% rise in offers accepted in Liverpool compared to the same month in the year prior.

Likely a result of the unbelievable demand for homes, house prices also jumped in the city this year. According to Rightmove data, Liverpool house prices increased by 4% to an average price of £170,932 in 2020.1

Strike has also analysed HMRC Land Registry data of all property transactions in the Liverpool postcode area this year to reveal the top five hotspot postcodes for home buyers and sellers in 2020.2

Topping the list is the Kirkby postcode of L31 1, with a total of 65 home sale completions this year, closely followed by L36 4 (Huyton with Roby) and L12 0 (West Derby) who take silver and bronze.

Ranking

Postcode sector

Town

Total home sales in 2020

Average house price in 2020

1

L31 1

Kirkby

65

£211,266

2

L36 4

Huyton with Roby

65

£176,167

3

L12 0

West Derby, with Croxteth Park

48

£163,749

4

L1 6

City centre

46

£91,105

5

L25 5

Woolton

44

£235,472

*Figures according to HMRC Land Registry year to date

Sam Mitchell, CEO at online estate agent Strike, said: “What a year it has been for the Liverpool property market. No one could have prepared for the challenges that faced the entire nation back in March, but as the curtains close on an unforgettable year, it’s fair to say that the city’s property market has proved to be resilient.

“To put things into perspective, we’ve seen a 53% rise in offers accepted year-on-year at Strike in Liverpool — a phenomenal feat when you consider the market was effectively shut down for 7 weeks. But the second half of the year did more than enough to make up that.

“The stamp duty incentive has played a role in this, but we mustn’t forget that there are other factors at play here. Whether it be moving for more space, a home office, bigger garden, or to be in a more rural location, thousands of homeowners are in search of a new home following changing circumstances this year.

“While the stamp duty holiday may be coming to an end in March, that doesn’t mean the Liverpool property market will grind to a sudden halt. With the average stamp duty cost of around £900 based on Liverpool’s average house price, homeowners could save even more money simply by selling for free with Strike. Plus, with incredibly low-interest rates, vaccine distribution ahead and the government’s ongoing support through home buying schemes, there is definitely enough to keep Liverpool’s housing market alive and thriving.”