Stamp-free sales licked

RETIREMENT living specialist McCarthy Stone is coming to the rescue of older people hoping to downsize this spring, with the offer of up to £12,000 towards stamp duty charges for those buying a new-build at participating developments.

- Deborah Stone

The UK’s stamp duty thresholds will revert to 2022 levels from April 1, so buyers will have to pay property tax on homes that cost more than £125,000 rather than £250,000.

However, the McCarthy Stone offer should remove the need for buyers to pay any stamp duty at all at most of its latest Retirement Living and Retirement Living PLUS developments.

Launched on March 1, it will run until May 31 at selected sites but sales must be completed by the end of July.

CEO John Tonkiss, said: “Many customers tell us they have been looking at downsizing for some time but that it can be a wrench leaving the family home, while the rising cost of moving has also become a barrier.