by Sam Akbay
House Prices Dip in April as New Stamp Duty Rules Take Hold
Published: 1 May 2025
House prices across the UK saw a slight dip in April as the market responded to newly introduced stamp duty changes, according to the latest figures from Nationwide.
The building society reported a 0.6% month-on-month fall in average property prices, bringing the typical UK home value down to £270,752. Despite the recent fall, prices remain 3.4% higher than they were this time last year.
Why the Drop?
The softening of the market came as no surprise. From 1 April, the government reduced stamp duty thresholds, meaning buyers now face higher upfront costs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the changes:
The stamp duty threshold has been halved from £250,000 to £125,000.
First-time buyers now only get relief on purchases up to £300,000, down from the previous £425,000.
These shifts prompted many buyers to bring forward their purchases to March in order to avoid the extra tax. As a result, transaction volumes spiked before April and naturally cooled off afterward.
What’s Next for the Market?
At Sam Akbay Property Agency, we’re keeping a close eye on the broader trends. While April marked the biggest monthly decline since August 2023, there’s reason for cautious optimism.
Experts predict that interest rates will likely fall again this year, which could reduce borrowing costs. In fact, we’re already seeing fixed mortgage deals below 4% return to the market—welcome news for homebuyers and investors alike.
More encouragingly, lenders are starting to offer more low-deposit mortgage options (5–10%), something we haven’t seen at this scale since before the 2008 financial crisis. This could create new opportunities, especially for first-time buyers navigating today’s market.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re considering buying or selling a property, these market shifts matter. For buyers, there could be more negotiation room now—and if rates continue to fall, monthly payments might become more affordable later in the year. For sellers, pricing your property correctly and being responsive to buyer sentiment will be key.
At Sam Akbay Property Agency, we work with buyers, sellers, and investors to make informed decisions based on up-to-date data and decades of local expertise. Whether you’re looking for your next home or a smart investment, we’re here to guide you.
Want to discuss your property plans?
Get in touch with our team today—we’ll help you navigate the market with confidence.
