Legal news

First-time buyers rush to buy ahead of amnesty end

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
1 min read

There was a 7% rise in the number of loans given to first-time buyers last December as prospective purchasers rushed to take advantage of the stamp duty amnesty which ends next month.

The amnesty has been in place for those first-time buyers intending to buy a property worth between £125,000 and £250,000, but that is due to end on March 24, so it has been expected that there would be something of a scramble to get onto the housing ladder before the deadline.

Therefore, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) reported 18,700 loans to new homeowners in December, worth £2.3bn, which is up significantly on November, and also said that, while the overall number of loans was 2% down on November at 28,700, 2011 did see the first increase in overall lending since the financial crisis began in 2007.

However, CML director-general Paul Smee warned that, though the CML figures were encouraging, due to the Eurozone problems still ongoing, it was quite possible that lending levels for 2012 may be down on last year.

Client feedback

Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
My son recently purchased a property. I had used Winston Solicitors for many years and had no hesitation in recommending them to him. Their service is outstanding; very professional yet friendly and approachable. Samantha is awesome. She always does a thorough job. Paulo, her assistant, has been an absolute pleasure to deal with as well. So a huge thumbs up and many thanks all around! - October 2025
J Thompson, Manchester
This was a stressful (and as it was a property purchase caused by divorce), very emotional. Samantha and Paulo were always very kind and patient. - October 2025
Dawn B, London
I recently used Winston Solicitors for the purchase of my first home and was extremely impressed with the service. My solicitor, Leasa, along with her assistant, Julie, were outstanding throughout the process—thorough, accommodating, and always patient in explaining each step clearly. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable, always going above and beyond to support me. I truly appreciated their professionalism and personal approach, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winston Solicitors to anyone - I cannot thank you all enough. - September 2025
A Woods, Ryton
Professional & thorough throughout conveyancing process. Efficient communication & timely updates from Amr & Joe. Would not hesitate to use their services again. Highly recommend. - September 2025 
Elizabeth M, Leeds
Contact Jonathan