Stamp Duty Rush as Deadline Looms

According to Rightmove, a whopping 500,000 UK homebuyers are rushing to finalise their home purchase before the new Stamp Duty rules change in April.

Unfortunately, around 74,000 homebuyers are unlikely to make the deadline Rightmove reports. Those who complete the homebuying process after 31st March face additional tax costs, some paying more than £11,000 than if completion took place before the threshold changes.

Asking prices for homes that have come to market in March have increased by 1.1%. This is in line with historical trends for March as it is typically one of the most popular months for sellers.

25,000 first-time buyers are estimated to miss the Stamp Duty deadline incurring approximately £142 million in additional tax costs.

It’s not all negative news as the housing market still remains steady despite the worries about the upcoming tax changes. Rightmove has shared that sales agreed are 9% up compared to this time last year, and property listings have grown by 8%.

Recent posts

The UK government is introducing new rules for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that will impact landlords. Here's a summary of the key changes

Choosing to buy a house is one of the biggest decisions you are likely to make in your lifetime. There are many factors that influence a house purchase, these include: finances, housing market conditions, and mortgage rates.

Since being launched back in 1999 Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs) have been very popular for those wanting to put money into savings. There are four types of ISA, and the majority allow flexible saving and the ability to withdraw funds easily. There are financial penalties on certain products, these usually pay the most interest.

According to the Office for National Statistics, last year (ending March 2024), there were 153,800 new homes completed in the UK. To help the housing crisis, the UK government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years.

Check out some of the reasons why a new-build home might be for you.

Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.

The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.

Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.