Yahoo Finance Property: 8 stamp duty-free homes for first-time buyers
The combination of the rising cost of living, steep mortgage interest rates and a substantial drop in the number of low-deposit mortgages has created a perfect storm for first-time buyers.
However, the stamp duty cuts announced in the recent mini-budget go some way towards easing their passage on to the property ladder, as the threshold before tax that kicks in at 5% has been lifted from £300,000 to £425,000 for new buyers (and from £125,000 to £250,000 for home movers), meaning that those purchasing a first home within the new nil rate band now save up to £6,250.
According to Rightmove, two-thirds of properties in England are now exempt from stamp duty — including this selection for sale.
1. Great Mongeham, Deal, Kent, £225,000
If you’d love to buy a house but are convinced your budget won’t stretch that far, this bijou, character-packed mid-terrace cottage will prove you wrong.
The front door opens into a cosy living room, and there’s a kitchen with space to sit and eat, a double bedroom, a study/dressing room, a first floor shower room and an enclosed yard at the back.
Deal town centre, the seafront and Walmer and Deal stations are within easy reach. On the market through Bright & Bright.
2. Lumina, Camberley, Surrey, £262,500
Only a single, one-bedroom fifth-floor apartment remains in this completed town centre scheme which is opposite the station and moments from Camberley’s shops, restaurants and bars.
A state-of-the art business lounge with wifi, desks and meeting areas makes it ideal for someone who works from home, and residents have access to a private gym, a cinema room and a flourishing rooftop garden. For more information contact Berkeley Group.
3. Worcester, £300,000
One of a pair, and convenient for the city centre, schools and station, this handsome red brick Victorian townhouse has been fully renovated and offers tons of space for a growing family.
Accommodation is spread over three storeys — plus a cellar — and includes a bay-windowed living room, a Shaker-style kitchen/diner, a study, four bedrooms and a handy storage room with its own entrance which could be adapted for use as an office. Find out more from Allan Morris.
4. The Ridings Longridge, Lancashire, from £310,000
For the ultimate in hassle-free pads, take a look at The Cavendish, a new-build four-bedroom house which happens to be a show home and is being sold fully furnished.
All bedrooms are doubles, and there’s a spacious sitting room, a kitchen/breakfast room with a breakfast bar, an adjoining utility room, a main bathroom, a shower room, a cloakroom and an integral garage.
It’s part of a development of three- and four-bedroom family houses in a rural market town regarded as the gateway to the picturesque Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Via Prospect Homes.
5. Montgomery Place, Market Drayton, Shropshire, £363,500
You won’t need to upsize further down the line if you snap up this brand new, double-fronted, detached house as it’s spacious enough to be your forever home.
Located on a development just outside the town centre and close to several schools, it comprises four bedrooms, ensuite and family bathrooms, a dual aspect kitchen/diner, a living room with double doors out to the garden, a study, utility room and cloakroom.
Reserve by 30 November to get your mortgage paid for a year. From Tilia Homes.
6. Holbeach, Lincolnshire, £399,950
All the hard work’s been done for you in this traditional country cottage, as it’s been renovated and extended and is light and bright throughout.
The ground floor consists of a living room with a wood burning stove, a dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with an island and a utility room, and upstairs there are three bedrooms and a shower room.
There’s also a sunny garden, parking for several cars on the gravel drive, and an electric car charging point. Via Fine & Country.
7. Telegraph Hill, London SE14, £400,000
A lovely one-bedroom flat on the ground floor of a converted period house on a tree-lined street between Nunhead and Brockley, just south of New Cross.
It has a large open plan kitchen/living/dining area with integrated appliances and exposed brickwork, fitted wardrobes in the double bedroom, a contemporary bathroom and a private section of garden. Find out more from Winkworth.
8. Coventry, offers over £400,000
As starter pads go, this one’s somewhat grander than most as it’s in a former stable block in the grounds of Berkswell Hall, a 19th century stately pile that’s been converted into apartments.
Features include an open plan kitchen/dining room and a living room with patio doors leading out to the private garden.
There are two double bedrooms and two bathrooms — one with a freestanding rolltop tub — and high ceilings, sash windows and wonderful countryside views. Get in touch with Connells.
