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April 1, 2025, marks the start of the new stamp duty changes (Image: Getty )From Tuesday, April 1, certain home buyers will face increased stamp duty fees. Property website Rightmove has analysed the potential impact across various property price brackets.The numbers indicate that first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland, where stamp duty applies, could face significant financial pressure if they purchase homes priced around £625,000 and miss the deadline. Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, commented: "Home buyers will expect to reflect this extra cost in their offers, typically...

WITH spring now upon us, more people are thinking about moving home.As the weather brightens up it’s the most popular time of year to buy and sell.1Spring is the time most people moveAnd with England and Northern Ireland facing major changes to Stamp Duty thresholds from April 1, it’s the ideal time to get to grips with the nuances of Scottish property and what to consider when buying.Scotland operates under a different system known as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), tailored to our unique market conditions.Felipe Ferreira, Sales Director...

A WOMAN resigned to renting for life got on the property ladder by temporarily becoming an estate agent – to learn the tricks of the trade.Comedian Kate-Lois Elliott thought she was going to live in a rented basement flat for the rest of her days due to her career choices.2Comedian Kate-Lois Elliott got on the property ladder by saving into a LISACredit: Ben Stevens/PinPep2She also became an estate agent for six monthsCredit: Ben Stevens/PinPepAs a former actor-turned-comedian – who is married to another actor – their irregular income offered little...

The Financial Conduct Authority will take a look at simplifying the rules around getting a mortgage in a bid to help people struggling to get on the property ladder14:34, 07 Mar 2025Updated 14:52, 07 Mar 2025FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi said firms have the flexibility to help more people become homeowners (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)The financial watchdog is gearing up to take "swift action" on making mortgages more accessible, with plans for a discussion about the future of the mortgage market this summer.Come May, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will...