December Housing Market
It is no secret that December is the quietest month in the housing market.
Having said that it is a time of year where house sales are still being agreed, properties come to the market and viewings are taking place….but just in slightly lower numbers.
However, if you are putting off your moving plans until 2026 there are some things you can do in readiness!
If you are selling why not get your property valued so that you have got the information you need to be ready to list it for sale in 2026. We as a firm are slightly quieter on with sales valuations in December so have plenty of capacity to come and see you.
If you are looking at buying why not call us to register with us and talk us through what you are looking to buy next year. We can provide information on properties we have for sale, talk to you about market trends and also make sure you are set up with us so we can keep in contact you regarding new properties coming to market in 2026.
Our offices are fully open and ready to deal with you through December and we look forward to hearing from you if we can be of assistance.
BUDGET NEWS!!
Rachel Reeves UK Budget and it was one of the most anticipated in living memory. Below is a summary of the two key points announced in today and a surprising announcement on stamp duty (SDLT)
HIGHER TAXES ON RENTAL INCOME
From April 2027, income tax rates on property income (i.e. from letting out property) will rise by 2 percentage points.
Basic, higher and additional tax rates for landlords will become 22%, 42% and 47% respectively.
NEW “MANSION TAX” / HIGH VALUE PROPERTY LEVY
The Budget confirmed the introduction of a new annual surcharge on properties valued over £2 million.
This surcharge will begin in April 2028, with a banded system: for example, homes valued between £2 m–£2.5 m face at least a £2,500 surcharge; the highest band (properties over £5 m) could pay as much as £7,500 per year.
The surcharge is on top of standard council tax. The basis for valuation will be new 2026 valuations — not original purchase price.
NO CHANGES TO STAMP DUTY!
Despite speculation ahead of the Budget, no changes were made to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for property purchases.
1st May is Renters Rights Bill Day
Last week the government announced that their flagship Renters Rights Bill would become law 1st May 2026.
The threat of this bill has seen many landlords look to exit the market over the last 24 months reducing rental property stock and forcing up rents. This has exaggerated an acute lack of rental accommodation and coupled with higher interest rates, many landlords have opted to move their investment to the stock market, pensions or safer investments now giving higher tax free yields such as premium bonds.
However, there are causes to be optimistic for landlords with lots of quality tenants looking to rent, higher rents being achieved due to lack of availability and interest rates for buy to let borrowing gently falling.
The bill amongst other things will ban section 21 no fault evictions, extend the time tenants have to pay back arrears before being evicted and make it far easier for tenants to keep pets. Taking rent upfront and rent bidding over the asking price will also be outlawed.
If you are currently renting a property that you manage you manage yourself and are thinking of instructing an agent, give us a call today on 01493 849111. Or if you are looking to buy rental property call us today so we can advise you further.
WE ARE HIRING!!!
Due to our Lowestoft offices huge increase in business we are looking to add to the fantastic team!
We require full time and part time negotiators to join our team!
This role will involve dealing with enquiries in the office, booking viewings, dealing with property offers, carrying out viewings and dropping leaflets!
Experience not essential but an advantage. Training can be given. But you must be energetic, keen to learn and be part of a thriving and successful team.
Own car essential. Roles will include working every or alternate Saturdays 9am to 3pm
Interested? Email your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Making Tax Digital, the impact for Landlords
Making Tax Digital is yet another government initiative. It requires landlords with income over £50,000 from April 2026, to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC with the help of compatible software (such as Quickbooks).
The aim of the scheme is to make tax filing easier as well as improving accuracy, with the final tax declaration submitted at the end of the accounting period.
This will apply to Landlords with income over £50,000 (from April 2026), over £30,000 (from April 2027) or over £20,000 (from April 2028). This includes submitting quarterly reports to HMRC, keeping digital records, and providing an end-of-year return after the end of the current tax year.
The £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 threshold figures are rental income and do not including PAYE earnings.
Aldreds would always recommend to plan ahead, be prepared by obtaining good tax advice from reputable and fully qualified Accountants for all your tax requirements.
