David Morris, Head of Homes, Santander UK responds to Rightmove's House Price Index: "In the push to complete by 1 April, the difference of just one day could mean buyers face £11,250 in taxes"

14 March 2025

In response to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, embargoed until Monday 17 March:

David Morris, Head of Homes, Santander UK commented: “It’s unsurprising that many prospective homeowners and movers are making the final push to complete ahead of the 1 April stamp duty changes, the difference of just one day could mean buyers face extra costs of up to £11,250 in taxes. But, the end of the stamp duty holiday hasn’t seemed to slow the market, with agreed sales up 9% year-on-year, buyer choice at a 10-year high and at Santander, we’re continuing to see a healthy stream of applications coming through the door, irrespective of the April deadline. The introduction of the new FCA guidance on stress rates, which gives lenders more flexibility in how this rate is set, provides another reason to believe the market will continue to flourish post the stamp duty changes, as lenders are able to take the initiative to help more would-be homeowners afford a home.”