If the last year has taught us anything it’s who and what we truly value and it’s no different in terms of property. With record hits on property search engines like Rightmove, an increased interest in property abroad and even commerical properties seeing a surge of interest, it seems we have spent the last year evaluating and planning for the future.

City dwellers have realised they value outside space over a shorter commute, those who live far away from friends and family are making the move back home, while others are downsizing or making the move to the seaside. And with such a fluid market, it wont be long before you find your ideal home.

Here’s what will help to keep us moving in 2021:

Stamp Duty Holiday Extension

The Spring Budget saw the announcement of the stamp duty holiday extension. Which means you have until 30 June to complete on the purchase of your new home to take advantage of the savings made when buying a home worth up to £500,000. After which it starts a steady decline to the normal £125,000 threshold on 1 October.

There has been no further extension to the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax in Scotland.

In Wales, temporary Land Transaction Tax reductions have been extended to 30 June 2021 in line with England’s stamp duty holiday extension.

Mortgage Guarantee Scheme

We all know how hard it is to save a 15 – 20% deposit, especially if you’re a first time buyer. But from the beginning of April it’s set to become that bit easier to get a foot on the property ladder. Here’s why:

So from 1 April all home buyers, both new and existing, will be able to purchase properties up to the value of £600,000 with just a 5% deposit. And while the normal affordability criteria still applies, it’s set to be a game changer for many first time buyers with some of the biggest lenders in the UK like Lloyds, Barclays and Santander commiting to the scheme.

Speak to your local agent about taking advantage of these schemes today.