It now takes an average of more than five months from agreeing a sale to completion, meaning if you are not in the conveyancing process already, you might miss out on the stamp duty tax break.
Time to re-claim higher rate of Stamp Duty extended
As movers struggle to sell their old home during the lockdown, the government has extended the time allowed to reclaim stamp duty. Those who have moved to a property they considered their main residence before selling their previous main residence had to pay the higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) but if they […]
Selling your home during a pandemic: a guide
After almost two months in deep freeze, the housing market is open for business again, but this is not the housing market we knew before lockdown. The government’s re-opening of the market, came as a surprise to conveyancing solicitors, surveyors, estate agents, and removal companies, this has left them scrambling to put safety measures in place.
Can you sell your house in lockdown?
On the 26 March 2020, the government published guidance on moving home during the pandemic. While many have viewed this as a pause to the property market, it does not prohibit the marketing of properties.
Will new prime minister bring a boom to the housing market?
A change at the top can often bring a boom to the economy but with Brexit looming will Boris Johnson prove to be a boon to the UK housing market.
Capital gains tax rules change for Homeowners
A change to Private Residence Relief could see more homeowners paying hefty Capital Gains tax bills on the sale of their homes.
Northwest house prices rise
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that property house prices in the Northwest of England rose by 3.4 per cent in the year to May.
Commonhold Consultation – An Effective Alternative to Leasehold?
The Law Commission is currently analysing responses to a consultation on commonhold. Their report is due to be published later this year. The aim is to reform commonhold laws, making it a preferred alternative to leaseholds.
First time buyers Southport: demystifying the buying process
If you’re buying a property in Southport for the first time, you’ll soon realise that much of what you read in your search for the perfect pad is riddled with confusing terms such as ‘LISA’, ‘Help to Buy’, ‘Equity Loans’ and ‘Variable Rates’. This can make it more difficult to navigate the market and get […]
Should I extend my lease or wait for reform?
If you own a flat, you’ll probably be aware that the value of your property is affected by the term left on the lease. In addition you’ll find that mortgage companies are reluctant to lend on flats with less than 70 years to run, so the saleability of your property reduces as the term runs […]
Conveyancing Southport – Saving for a House Deposit
With the average price of a UK home now at £297,527 according to Rightmove and many lenders looking for a 10% deposit to secure the best mortgage deals, getting a foot on the property ladder has never been more difficult. But hope is not lost for Generation Y – by choosing the right account and […]
A Guide to Buying a Retirement Home
Buying a retirement home is generally something you only want to do once. This means you need to get it right first time. But as you probably know, buying a property is not easy – and retirement homes come with additional considerations, making the process all the more overwhelming. So if you are thinking about […]
Property hijacking – and how you can reduce the risk
A woman who put her parents’ flat on the market while her father was temporarily in a care home and her stepmother was in the Caribbean visiting a sick relative has been handed a three year prison sentence. 52 year old Valerie Edwards put the property, valued at £340,000, on the market during Spring last year […]