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Advertising signs to sell houses in Croydon, South London (photo illustration). AFP Photos / BEN STANSALL

In the United Kingdom, the impending Brexit scheduled for 31 October is worrying. And this worry is reflected in real estate purchases in the country. To anticipate the exit of the European Union, the British invest more and more in the stone and the trend is accelerating.

According to a survey published Monday, Aug. 19 by the real estate portal Rightmove, the number of real estate sales accelerates in August despite the holidays. In its report, the largest real estate website in the UK is surprised by the rise in sales this month. Since 2015, there have never been so many homes sold in August, a period usually hollow and not conducive to purchase.

For Rightmove, this situation is due to a combination of factors. First, the date of October 31 is getting closer . The United Kingdom will have to leave the European Union at that time. Many sellers rush because they do not know what the real estate market will look like after Brexit .

Then, the attractive prices of the moment encourage to conclude a purchase. As a general rule, in August there are fewer buyers. There is less competition for real estate. But the owners, those who sell and want to sell fast especially, also have less choice to negotiate their price.

These people will therefore more easily lower their requirements to ensure their sales. As a result, the average price of a home fell by about 1% in August, while the price of real estate had been increasing since January.