Most people will have seen the Chancellor announce his Budget last week. But what was the big news for those looking to move home?
Stamp duty holiday extension
Our MD Mike had already shared our worries on the ending of the stamp duty holiday on 31st March with the Yorkshire Post a few weeks ago. The worry was that many house sales were not going to complete in time due to the backlogs – meaning many chains were at risk of collapse. We had seen a huge increase in people needing removals companies or worrying they may not be able to get one if their purchase did squeeze through – which was a very real concern giving the number of movers involved!
However, the scheme as it stands has now been extended until the end of June, meaning no stamp duty is paid on properties up to the value of £500,000. From July until 30th September 2021, that threshold will reduce to £250,000 – which covers roughly 45 per cent of all property transactions. With much less pressure on a fast-approaching deadline hopefully the moving process can be calmer for everyone!
Help to Buy mortgage guarantee scheme
This will run from April 2021 until December 2022 and is in response to the reduction in the number of 95% LTV mortgage offers available on the market for first time buyers (FTBs). It is in everyone’s interest that FTBs can get a step on the property ladder, or no one is able to move up a rung! But the scheme will also be useful to those with low equity in their property who want to move or remortgage.
Valid on properties worth up to £600,000, it encourages lenders to accept only a 5% deposit, with a Government guarantee that will compensate the lender if they end up having to repossess a property. NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander have already signed up to the scheme which will mean they have to offer participants the option of a five-year fixed rate deal.
The initiatives were roundly welcomed by those in the market and individuals looking to buy or sell. Rightmove reported that traffic to their website grew 16% almost immediately, with an 85% increase in visitors to its mortgage calculator within half an hour of the announcement. Certainly, from our perspective, it’s taken a lot of pressure off the next few weeks, as homebuyers are able to take their foot off the gas a bit without the risk of losing thousands of pounds.
If you’re looking for a Leeds’ removal firm to help with your house move – wherever you’re moving – McCarthy’s has 50 years of expertise to ensure your belongings are transported safely, efficiently and professionally. We can even offer a packing service if needed. Dates are booking up quickly as the backlog of sales starts to clear – and as more people come to the market in the hope of moving ahead of the September deadline for stamp duty. So, if a move is on the cards, get in touch and we can chat you through the process and get you an estimate so you can begin planning ahead.