Ask The Experts

Stamp duty or “Stamp Duty Land Tax” to give it its full title, is a government imposed levy that applies to all buyers of property in the UK. There are some exemptions to this tax, most notably for first time buyers buying properties under £500,000 where the rate is 0% on the first £300,000, and 5% on the remainder up to a maximum of £500,000. For most other situations, if you are buying a residential property you need to pay it. The amount of tax paid is based on the purchase price and must be paid on completion. Find out what you’ll need to pay at: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates

The other important point to remember is that the stamp duty cannot be included in your mortgage advance, so needs to be taken into account as part of your cash deposit and legal expenses.

Valuing your home has never been an exact science – there are many things to consider. The location, style and size of the accommodation are usually the most important factors, together with the condition of the property and any improvements that may have been carried out. We research recent sales in the area and take account of current demand for your type of property.

In 2004 the government extended the anti-money-laundering legislation requiring estate agents to verify the identity of their clients. This formality is conducted with the minimum of inconvenience.