Jake Mitchell - Mortgage and Protection Advisor

09/06/2026

🏡 Do you still have a Help to Buy ISA?

Many people don’t realise that whilst the scheme closed to new applicants several years ago, existing account holders can still benefit from it.

If you already have a Help to Buy ISA, you can continue saving into it until November 2029, with the Government bonus available to be claimed until November 2030.

Key things to remember:

✅ Save up to £200 per month
✅ Receive a 25% Government bonus
✅ Maximum bonus of £3,000
✅ Property purchase price limit of £250,000 outside London (£450,000 in London)
✅ Bonus claimed by your solicitor when you purchase your first home

For some first-time buyers, a Lifetime ISA may be a better option, whilst for others, keeping their existing Help to Buy ISA could make sense. Every situation is different.
If you’re planning to buy your first home and aren’t sure which route is best for you, feel free to get in touch.

Your first home journey could be closer than you think.

17/01/2025

Stamp Duty deadline.

Stamp duty Threshold is set to change from April 1st 2025.

The threshold at which first-time buyers start paying stamp duty will fall from £425,000 to £300,000.
For first-time buyers, this could mean that instead of paying no stamp duty on a purchase worth £425,000, they will soon pay £6,205

The home mover threshold is falling from from £250,000 to £125,000, meaning the maximum extra charge for those missing the deadline is £2,500.

How to improve your odds on completing within this time. Please see attached.

02/12/2024

I have a friend / client who is selling her beautiful property in Stamford. Great opportunity for a First time buyer looking to get on the property ladder or home mover. This is a 75% shared ownership property which you can stair case in the future as doesn’t have any restrictions (buy upto 100%)
If you would like a free no obligation review on your circumstances to see if this is affordable, within your budget requirements and learn how the mortgage process works, I’d be happy help and educate you. 🏡🔑❤️

3 bedroom end of terrace house for sale in Groves Crescent, Stamford, PE9 for £240,000. Marketed by Goodwin Property Services, Stamford

23/09/2022

Mini Budget - September 22

Key Points

Stamp Duty

Nil stamp duty relief will increase from £125,000 to £250,000 for homeowners.

First Time Buyer Relief will increase to £425,000 from £300,000 on property value of £625,000 up from £500,000.

This is an immediate permanent change not a holiday.

45% additional rate of tax scrapped from April 23. Max rate will be 40%.

Basic rate of tax to be reduced to 19% in April 23.

Planned increase in employer and employee NI to be cancelled from November.

Corporation Tax to remain at 19% with next years increase being cancelled.

IR35 to be simplified and the 2017 and 2021 reforms to be repealed.

VAT free shopping to be introduced for overseas visitors.

Alcohol duty rises to be cancelled.

Office of Tax Simplification to be wound down.

Minimum of 40 investment zones to be introduced across England:

Land to be released for development
Tax reliefs for businesses
No stamp duty on land for commercial and residential development
No business rates for newly opened businesses
No employer NI on first £50k for new staff

Wales, Scotland and NI to be invited to take part.