Conveyancers up and down the country have pulled out all the stops to help homeowners beat the SDLT deadline. With just a few hours to go until the latest stamp duty cliff edge, tales of heroics have been shared with this publication, and on social media.
Daventry-based Simply Conveyancing clocked up 146 completions in one day last week as they helped movers beat the deadline. Tasneem Subedar, Director of Conveyancing said:
“This is by far one of the busiest days I have ever seen in my time here and is a massive achievement for the team who are working tirelessly to support our clients. The next week will only get busier and more fast-paced, but I am incredibly proud of the team with their preparation, planning and execution, all while maintaining exceptional customer service standards.”
Earlier in the month Taylor Rose said they has seen a 94% increase in instructions by comparison to last year; they have since revised that figure up to 147% with the firm set to deliver 7,498 property completions in March compared to 3,031 at the same time last year; and in the last week have seen a 295% increase in completions – rising from 935 completions in March 2024 to 3,700 in March 2025.
“With the deadline for the change to the stamp duty threshold closing in, our dedicated conveyancers are working tirelessly to complete as many property transactions as possible, pulling out all the stops to ensure that our clients can take advantage of the current rates before the changes take effect. We have seen unprecedented demand throughout March, and it is a real testament to the teams to be able to deliver so many completions in such a short space of time.”
said Hannah Wright, Head of New Business at Taylor Rose.
“However, even after the change comes into effect next week, we are continuing to witness a record high of instructions so far in March from both sellers and purchasers. We expect demand to remain high as we move into spring, which is typically one of the busiest periods for the UK property market and conveyancing sector.”
Auction specialists iamproperty and their conveyancing arm, Medway Law has prepared for double the normal number of completions on ‘Manic Monday’ after they say their 56-day completion time for auction properties has seen a surge in interest from movers hoping to beat the end of March deadline. Kelly Stillman, Head of Operations at iamproperty, said
“Every minute counts on what will certainly be a manic Monday at the iamproperty offices. The team has been working tirelessly since it became clear there would be no extension to the current SDLT rates in October’s budget. We all want to help as many people as possible to complete before they must delve deeper into their pockets post-deadline. Opting for the speed and security of auction has already helped so many get to the finish line ahead of time, and we’re putting everything into this final push.”
Elsewhere in the property sector business was ‘busy but manageable’, with Clare Beardmore, Director of Distribution and Mortgage Club, L&G Mortgage Club saying
“The housing market has made its strongest start in three years, with buyer demand up 13% and a 10% boost in homes for sale – needless to say, it’s been busy! However, we have coped with this level of activity before, especially during the COVID stamp duty holiday, so let’s use those lessons for these next few busy days. By staying in close contact, supporting each other and embracing the latest tech, we’ll cut back on admin and keep delivering the exceptional service borrowers deserve.”
Social media has seen plenty of encouraging words with some firms offering staff a day off on Tuesday 1st April to recognise their efforts.
Huge well done to all our incredible, hard-working conveyancers for not only managing to get everything done before the deadline, but for doing it extremely well and without compromising the friendly service we provide all our customers
Here’s wishing all conveyancers an uneventful last Friday for SDLT completions and an even better Monday when we get there. Having been in your shoes I’ve nothing but admiration for conveyancers doing client and introducer facing roles. Tough gig at the best of times which these definitely are not. Help each other where you can, ignore the noise and do what you do best – keep calm and carry on.
And with maintained momentum in the market after March, many conveyancers are looking ahead to an ‘active’ few months with 30% of all homes listed for sale each year coming to the market in March, April and May.
