This move is aimed at helping buyers who have taken a financial hit because of the coronavirus crisis. It is also intended to boost a property market hit by lockdown after four consecutive months of falls in prices according to the Halifax.
Until Wednesday, stamp duty was not charged on the first £125,000 of a property's selling price, with a two per cent rate on properties up to £250,000 and five per cent on the next £675,000.
Property experts suggest the average stamp duty bill will fall by £4,500 with nearly nine out of ten people buying a main home this year paying none at all.
Andy Denny, director of Edward Knight Estate Agents in George Row, said: "Most houses in Northampton are priced below £500,000 so it's a very good thing for us but in central London, the holiday won't make a huge difference to many people. But in Northampton, the benefit will be great as the average house price is around the £250,000 mark."
But if you want to make the most of the saving, though, we took a a look on RightMove to find 12 houses on the market for around £½million in an around Northampton which have all effectively just dropped by three per cent overnight.
1.
Poyntz Lane, NORTHAMPTON — 'Toad Hall' is an executive family home and set on a quarter-acre plot. The property benefits lounge, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, study, cloakroom, four bedrooms, two en-suites, family bathroom and double garage. Marketed by Connells, Kingsthorpe
2.
Woodland Walk, OVERSTONE — This four bedroom detached house has off street parking and an enclosed garden with access to private woodland. The 1,875 sq ft of accommodation has wooden style flooring throughout the ground floor, an entrance hall, a study overlooking the front, and a cloakroom. The double garage has been converted to a room that is currently used as gym but could have potential for office space. Michael Graham, Northampton
3.
Lime Close, HARTWELL — This incredible family home has been remodelled and extended to provide an inspiring downstairs layout. Lurking behind the more modest facade is a house in which you can really entertain friends and family. The German kitchen with Siemens appliances and quartz tops is a luxury for any chef while the glamour of the sitting room styling opens out onto the first conservatory overlooking the rear garden. The games room at the rear of the house is laid out with a pool table, a bar area, a cinema style projector screen and opens out to a second conservatory where the current owners have a gym area overlooking the garden. A glass and oak staircase leads up to four bedrooms. Marketed by Charles Orlebar Estate Agents, Rushden
4.
Centurion Way, WOOTTON — An immaculately presented David Wilson-built home to the Loweswater design, benefiting from a spacious lounge, open plan kitchen/dining room, family room/home office and four double bedrooms. Viewing of this impressive property is highly advised. Marketed by Connells, Wootton Fields