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

I cannot speak for Winston Solicitors as a whole, but I can confidently recommend Leasa Foster, who we’ve used twice now for moving house. On both occasions she has been outstanding. Without her, I’m certain the chain would have fallen into disarray, and completion would have been delayed by at least a month or two.Leasa took control, coordinating solicitors both above and below us in the chain to ensure paperwork was completed on time. In fact, some of the documents that others were only just starting, she had already handled months in advance.Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with the service from Leasa, Julie, and the team at Winston Solicitors. I’ll have no hesitation using them again—unless Leasa moves firms!
Jack
We’ve used Winston Solicitors for three property transactions now, and they have been outstanding every time. Sidraa and Tom always go above and beyond – communication is clear, there are never any delays from their side, and the whole process is handled smoothly from start to finish. We’ve even recommended them to friends, who were equally impressed. I always get asked by Estate Agents to use their solicitors but always politely decline because of the service Sidraa and her team offer.
Tariq
Effecient and pay attention to every single details, highly recommended
Anonymous
Winston solicitor's was chosen by us to handle the conveyancing for our house sale and purchase. We were appointed Sam as our solicitor and we couldn't have asked for anyone better. Sam went above and beyond to assist me with my enquiries, demonstrating an impressive depth of knowledge. Our sellers solicitors could be quite problematic at times but Sam worked hard to ensure that obstacles were handled promptly, and that we were kept up to date with any progress.What stood out for me was Sam's genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Her friendly demeanor and positive attitude created a welcoming atmosphere making me feel valued as a customer. In conclusion Sam exemplifies the epitome of customer service. Her professionalism, expertise, attention to detail and genuine care for the customer deserves recognition. I would not hesitate to recommend Sam to anyone seeking an exceptional service. Thank you for your outstanding support and dedication.
Mr & M
Winston Solicitors were excellent throughout our house purchase process. Leasa and Michelle who handed our conveyancing were very responsive. Highly recommend.
Mr Agunwa
I've used Winston Solicitors on multiple occasions for property sales an also to purchase and it will definately not be the last.This firm is professional and a massive shout out to sidraa who both times dealt with my purchase & sale of property.She is an absolute asset to Winston Solicitors and is the best out there at her job.Please keep up the great work and hopefully speak to you all again soon on my next purchase.
Noor
Winston solicitors were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. I was a first time buyer and had so many questions and worries. Michelle made the process as smooth has possible. She was always on hand to answer any queries and was very responsive. My purchase went through very fast. I could have not ask for a better solicitors and would highly recommend to anyone.
Kimberley
We’ve just completed a sale and purchase with Winston Solicitors and honestly couldn’t be more impressed with the service. Leasa, Julie and the team were fantastic from start to finish - thorough and very efficient, even when things were stressful and complex in our chain. Communication was clear and prompt throughout, and we always felt reassured that they were on top of every detail.It was our first time buying and selling which was quite a stressful process but we felt in very safe hands with Winstons and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you!
Emma
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