First time buyers squeezed in London

22nd January 2016

Investors are swooping on London property in a rush to beat an increase in stamp duty for buy-to-let homes scheduled for April 1^st. The number of buy-to-let valuations carried out in December leapt 86% year-on-year, according to industry experts. Some first-time buyers say agents are finding it so easy to sell property, they fail to attend booked viewings and will only accept sealed bids with no negotiation. Even when prospective buyers do make the highest bid, it is claimed they are often thwarted by investors making last-minute cash offers.

Evening Standard (20/01/2015)