Stamp duty headlines are back - should you be concerned?
With the latest stamp duty changes stirring the market, it is easy to assume the news is all about extra costs. Yet the story is more nuanced and for many buyers and sellers, surprisingly encouraging. As reported by the Financial Times, agreed property sales jumped ahead of the increase. That surge tells us something important: the market remains confident, and people are ready to act.
Buyers: it is not all bad news
If you are in the process of buying, especially at higher price points, it is true the adjusted rates may affect your calculations. But that does not mean the door to opportunity is closed. In many areas, sellers are already adjusting their expectations, which could lead to more balanced negotiations. What you might pay in duty, you could recoup in the price you agree. Flexibility is returning to the market, and that is good news for buyers.
Sellers: motivated buyers are here now
For those thinking of selling, the recent uptick in activity should be seen as a green light. Buyers are still highly motivated. The sense of urgency created by the stamp duty shift has energised decision-making. Well-presented homes that are priced realistically are standing out. And sellers who act now are benefitting from that renewed buyer momentum.
Timing is the hidden advantage
Stamp duty changes often highlight a key but underused strategy in property: timing. Understanding the rhythm of the market, knowing when to launch, when to negotiate and when to accept can make a significant difference. Strategic decisions, rather than reactive ones, are helping many sellers secure strong offers.
It is still a people-driven market
Despite the headlines and the figures, this is still a market driven by life’s milestones: new jobs, growing families, fresh starts. Stamp duty may shift the maths slightly, but it rarely changes the motivation. Whether you are buying or selling, the opportunity lies in knowing how to move with the market, not against it.
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