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We are proud to share that director, Claire Kendall, was invited to take part in Golden Nuggets: Movers & Shakers, a new podcast series from Rightmove in partnership with Silvia Eldawi.

The series puts the spotlight on Estate Agents from across the UK, sharing the expertise, ideas and entrepreneurial thinking that are shaping the industry. Claire is one of just 10 agency leaders featured.

YORKSHIRE BUCKS THE TREND: WHAT OCTOBER’S PROPERTY FIGURES REALLY MEAN

You may have seen some gloomy headlines about mortgage rates this month. Rates have risen, and that’s worth taking seriously.  But look a little closer at Rightmove’s latest House Price Index and there’s a more balanced picture, particularly here in Yorkshire.

Yorkshire asking prices are rising

This month, new sellers in four of the five lowest-priced parts of Great Britain set lower asking prices.  Yorkshire and the Humber was the exception, with asking prices rising by 0.3%.  Nationally, the average price of a newly listed home rose by 1.0% to £371,015, broadly level with this time last year.

The government has announced a new scheme for first-time buyers called Your First Home. If it goes ahead as described, eligible buyers could buy a new-build home with a deposit of just 2.5%.

The full details are due to be confirmed in the Budget at the end of October. Here's what we know so far and what it could mean if you're hoping to buy your first home.

 

At a glance

  • Expected minimum deposit of 2.5% on eligible new-build homes
  • A 20% government-backed equity loan with an initial interest-free period
  • Household income caps and local property price caps are planned
  • Eligibility, price caps, lender involvement and the longer-term cost of the equity loan are still to be confirmed

First Time Buyers and Stamp Duty: Why £500,000 Matters

For first-time buyers, the price of a property can have a significant impact on the amount of Stamp Duty Land Tax payable.  Since 1 April 2025, first-time buyers in England can claim Stamp Duty Land Tax relief when purchasing a home for £500,000 or less, provided they meet the qualifying conditions.

That makes the £500,000 mark an important figure for buyers looking at homes towards the upper end of the first-time buyer market.

 

What are the current first-time buyer stamp duty rules?

For qualifying first-time buyers purchasing a property for £500,000 or less:

  • No Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable on the first £300,000
  • 5% is payable on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000

Is It Taking Longer to Find a Tenant in 2026?

The rental market has changed.  A few years ago, many rental properties could attract a large number of enquiries almost as soon as they went online.  In 2026, landlords may notice that finding the right tenant can take a little more time.  That does not mean tenants have disappeared. It means getting the price, presentation and marketing right matters more.

What has changed?

Zoopla reported that rental properties received an average of 5.6 enquiries per listing in May 2026, compared with almost 16 at the peak in 2022.  So, rather than expecting a flood of enquiries immediately, landlords may now see interest build more steadily.  At the same time, there is still a shortage of rental homes.  Zoopla says there are around 25% fewer homes available to rent across the UK than before the pandemic.  This means good rental properties are still in demand. Landlords simply need to make sure their property is competing well against the other homes available.

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