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Why the Property Auction Market is Booming Due to Stamp Duty Changes

Publish Date: 20 March 2025

By Jade Shrubsole

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Who Can Benefit from Buying a Property at a UK Property Auction?

Why the Property Auction Market is Booming in March 2025 Due to Stamp Duty Changes

The UK property auction market is experiencing a surge in activity in March 2025, driven primarily by impending changes to stamp duty regulations set to take effect on 1 April 2025. These changes have prompted both buyers and sellers to expedite transactions, leading to increased participation in property auctions.

Understanding the Stamp Duty Changes

Stamp duty, a tax levied on property purchases, underwent temporary adjustments in September 2022 to stimulate the housing market. These adjustments included raising the nil-rate band for first-time buyers from £300,000 to £450,000 and for additional property purchases from £125,000 to £250,000. However, as announced in the November 2024 budget, these temporary measures are scheduled to end on 31 March 2025. Consequently, from 1 April 2025, the nil-rate threshold for first-time buyers will revert to £300,000, and for other buyers, it will return to £125,000. Additionally, the surcharge for second homes will increase from 3% to 5%.

Impact on Buyer Behaviour

The forthcoming increase in stamp duty has created a sense of urgency among prospective buyers. Many are eager to finalise their purchases before the new rates come into effect to avoid higher tax liabilities. This urgency has led to a significant uptick in property transactions in the first quarter of 2025, particularly in March. Mortgage approvals have approached pre-pandemic levels, reflecting robust buyer activity despite higher interest rates.

Why Auctions Are Gaining Popularity

Property auctions offer a swift and certain route to purchase, making them particularly attractive in the current climate. Unlike traditional private treaty sales, auctions have set dates and immediate exchange of contracts upon a successful bid, ensuring completion before the stamp duty changes. This certainty is appealing to buyers aiming to beat the deadline.

Moreover, sellers are also turning to auctions to capitalise on the heightened demand. The competitive bidding environment can result in favourable sale prices, and the assured timeline aligns with sellers' desires to complete transactions promptly. Consequently, auction houses have reported increased listings and higher attendance rates in March 2025.

Market Observations

The property market has seen a surge in listings, with a record number of homes available for sale this spring. The average property price has risen by 1.1% to £371,870. Many sellers are pricing properties more realistically due to high competition. A rush to complete deals before the stamp duty deadline on 31 March has led to a significant legal backlog, with 575,000 moves in progress. An estimated 74,000 moves, including 25,000 first-time buyers, are expected to miss the deadline, resulting in £142 million in extra tax.

Looking Ahead

While the current surge has benefited the auction market, it is important to anticipate potential fluctuations post-1 April. The rush to complete transactions before the stamp duty changes may lead to a temporary slowdown in activity in the subsequent months. However, experts predict that house prices will continue to rise, with an expected increase of 2% to 4% in 2025, as borrowing costs and affordability constraints ease.

In conclusion, the property auction market's increased activity in March 2025 is a direct response to the imminent stamp duty changes. Both buyers and sellers are leveraging the speed and certainty of auctions to navigate the evolving tax landscape effectively.