Chain-free home listings see a rise in views and buyer enquiries in the week after the Budget announcement
Nearly a third (32%) of homes listed for sale on Zoopla are currently chain-free, as more investors and second homeowners look to sell ahead of expected tax changes.
New rules taking effect in April 2025 will allow councils to impose up to a 100% council tax premium on second homes, leading many owners to re-evaluate their property portfolios.
Chain-free homes, which can often be completed more quickly, are drawing increased interest from buyers aiming to close deals before a planned increase in stamp duty land tax (SDLT) rates in England and Northern Ireland.
Zoopla data shows that, in the week following the recent Budget announcement, listings for chain-free homes saw a 9% boost in views and a 33% increase in buyer enquiries, compared to homes tied to a property chain. This uptick is expected to continue as buyers rush to avoid higher SDLT costs.
First-time buyers, while facing affordability challenges, may benefit from the rise in chain-free listings. Zoopla reports that 41% of available two-bed homes — often popular among downsizers, landlords, and investors — are chain-free, potentially offering more options for those entering the market.
Regions with high proportions of chain-free homes include the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South West, areas with significant numbers of second homes. In the North, Hull stands out with 46.2% of homes for sale being chain-free, particularly two-bed properties. In the South, locations within London’s commuter belt, such as Uxbridge, also show above-average levels of chain-free homes, with 44.7% of listings being primarily three-bed properties—appealing to first-time buyers seeking smaller, affordable homes.
Zoopla noted that chain-free listings typically increase towards the end of the year, often peaking in January, which is the busiest month for new property listings.
“There are several reasons why a home might be chain-free,” said Izabella Lubowiecka (pictured), senior property researcher at Zoopla. “Individuals may be selling an inherited home, households might be moving in together, going from two homes to one, or investors and second owners could be selling additional property.
“Those looking at buying a home before stamp duty rates increase in April 2025 should think about buying a chain-free home as they tend to complete much faster. Now is a great time to look for properties, with more chain-free homes available than in previous months. Widening a search to include new homes might also offer a wider range of choice.”
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