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The stamp duty holiday, which was brought in to kick start the stagnant housing market late last year is coming to an end on December 31st, 2009. The holiday applies to anyone looking for a property worth £175,000 or less – so the discount is worth as much as £1,750.

Buyers such as investors, first time buyers, those looking to buy a small holiday home or a house for their children, have all been reaping the benefits of the saving for more than a year. It is estimated that over 25% of first time buyers who purchased a property between September 2008 and August 2009 did not pay stamp duty as a result – getting them on the property ladder.

But after December 31st, all buyers will have to pay the standard stamp duty rates of 1% tax on properties priced between £125,000 and £250,000, 3% on properties over £250,000 and 4% for those over £500,000.

Simon Wilkinson of The Wilkinson Partnership said, “House purchases can take months to complete but in many cases it is possible to push it through much quicker so there is still time for buyers to take advantage of this saving. Some buyers and sellers over the threshold of £175,000 may think that they are unaffected – but beware, if they are in a chain of transactions, it could still easily affect someone else in their chain. It is make-up-your-mind time for those considering buying property!”

Those looking to buy a new home may also have another reason to buy now. Nationwide said this month that UK house prices are now at the level they were a year ago, following the fifth consecutive month of rises.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Find out more about The Wilkinson Partnership at www.qualityhomes.co.uk
2. For further information, to arrange an interview with Simon Wilkinson or for hi-resolution images and logos, please contact Steph Breen on telephone 0700 345 1620 by email at steph@design-dejour.co.uk