RISING DEMAND FOR CHAIN-FREE HOMES AS STAMP DUTY DEADLINE APPROACHES

As a result of changes to Stamp Duty announced in the last budget there has been a significant surge in demand for homes that are chain-free and the UK property market is buzzing as buyers seek a speedy move to beat the looming stamp duty hike. A recent report by Zoopla highlights that 32% of homes currently on the market are listed as chain-free, a significant draw for those keen to finalise their purchase before the April deadline.1

Changes are Coming in April 2025

What has driven this urgency? From 1 April, the threshold at which first-time buyers start paying stamp duty will drop back to £300,000 from its current level of £425,000.2 This change means that a first-time buyer purchasing a property valued at £425,000 would face a stamp duty bill of £6,205, whereas previously they paid none.3 The costs climb even higher for properties priced between £425,000 and £625,000, with buyers facing an additional £11,250.3

Not only first-time buyers but also home movers are affected by the changes. From April, the stamp duty threshold for these buyers will be reduced from £250,000 to £125,000, potentially adding up to £2,500 in extra costs. This has led to a heightened interest in chain-free homes, with Zoopla reporting a 9% spike in views and a 33% increase in buyer enquiries.3

The benefits of a chain-free property

Why chain-free? For many, it’s the promise of a smoother, quicker purchase. In a chain-free sale, there’s no need to wait for the seller to find their next home, significantly reducing the chances of delays or the sale falling through. “Now is a great time to look for properties, with more chain-free homes available than in previous months,” said Izabella Lubowiecka, senior property researcher at Zoopla. She adds that many chain-free homes result from circumstances such as inherited properties, investors offloading assets, or households merging from two homes into one.3

Additionally, looming council tax hikes for second homes, set to take effect in April 2025, are prompting some investors to sell sooner rather than later.3 These properties, often marketed as chain-free, may offer an attractive option for those eager to beat the upcoming financial changes. “More investors and second homeowners are choosing to sell due to these policy shifts, adding to the supply of chain-free homes on the market,” notes property expert Matt Thompson of Chestertons.3

While a chain-free purchase may expedite the buying process, it often comes with a premium. Sellers, recognising the high demand for chain-free properties, are charging between 3% to 7% more, depending on the property’s location and condition. Based on Halifax’s average property price of £294,000, this could translate to an additional cost of between £8,820 and £20,580.3

For those eager to move quickly and avoid potential stamp duty hikes, paying a little extra for a chain-free home could be worth the investment. However, with demand still outstripping supply, competition remains fierce. As April 2025 approaches, the rush for chain-free properties is only expected to intensify, making this a dynamic and competitive time in the UK property market.

Sources:

  1. Zoopla (2024) House Price Index: September 2024. Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/property-news/house-price-index-september-2024/ [Accessed 11 Nov 2024]
  2. BBC News (2024) Stamp duty: What is it, how much is it and how is it changing?. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53319433 [Accessed 11 Nov 2024]
  3. This is Money (2024) Two thirds of homes on market are chain-free, as buyers seek a quick move ahead of stamp duty hike. Available at: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-14060069/Two-thirds-homes-market-chain-free-buyers-seek-quick-ahead-stamp-duty-hike.html [Accessed 11 Nov 2024]