Join us as we welcome two new team members to the Stratton Thorpe Mortgage Solutions family. Keep reading for the latest news and updates…
Team News
We are thrilled to introduce Kirsty and Ryan the newest members of our fast growing team.
KIRSTY DUNCOMBE - KD Mortgage Solutions
Based in Buckinghamshire, Kirsty is a qualified mortgage adviser with over ten years of industry experience. Of paramount importance to Kirsty is offering her clients a premium service and a lasting relationship that ensures she becomes your trusted mortgage professional.
As well as being an experienced adviser, Kirsty has worked as a mortgage underwriter for a high-street bank and a mortgage investigator for the Financial Ombudsman Service. She is ready to support you in your home-buying journey and beyond.
Kirsty lives with her husband, two young children, a cocker spaniel, Bella, and a Labrador, Hugo.
RYAN GIULLARI - PHX Mortgages
Ryan has joined PHX Mortgages, our East of England broker. He holds the Level 3 Certificate in Mortgage Advice from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and is a member of the Society of Mortgage Professionals.
Working in the financial services industry since 2016, Ryan was a mortgage partner at The New Homes Group. He prides himself on exceptional customer service and goes the extra mile for all his clients, whether first-time buyers, home movers, those remortgaging, or arranging a buy-to-let.
Based in Market Deeping, Ryan operates across Lincolnshire and Peterborough, also providing national coverage for remote clients.
MORTGAGE NEWS
🚨 Stamp Duty is Increasing from 1st April 2025
First-time buyers will pay no stamp duty on properties under £300k and 5% on properties from £300,001 to £500k.
Homemovers (Main Residence) will pay no stamp duty on properties under £125k
£125,001 to £250k - 2%
£250,001 to £925k - 5%
£925,001 to £1.5 million - 10%
Over £1.5 million – 12%
Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder or moving house, ensure you maximise your budget with a cost-effective mortgage. Every penny counts. Book a free, no-obligation initial consultation with our expert team.
House prices increase by 0.7% in January – Halifax
House prices increased by 0.7% in January following a dip of -0.2% in December, the latest Halifax House Price Index has revealed. The index revealed the average property price throughout the month hit £299,138, a new record high. However, annual growth eased slightly to 3.0%, compared to 3.4% the previous month.
On a regional basis, the annual property price inflation rate slowed in two-thirds of the UK’s nations and regions at the start of the year.
In England, the North East has overtaken the North West as the region with the strongest annual property price growth, up 5.2% compared to the previous year, with properties averaging at £178,696.
This is the first time since September 2023 that the North West has not topped the table of English regions for annual growth.
London retained the highest average house price in the UK, at £548,288, up 2.8% compared to last year.
SOURCE: The Intermediary
Leasehold Reforms Benefiting Homeowners
Recent changes to leasehold property management rules have expanded access to the “Right to Manage” scheme. These reforms empower leaseholders to take control of building management, potentially leading to cost savings and improved property oversight. If you’re a leaseholder, exploring these new rights could be advantageous.
SOURCE: The Scottish Sun
220+ 5-Star Google Reviews
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220+ 5-Star Google Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Protection NEWS
Climate Change and Insurance Implications
In 2024, UK insurers disbursed a record £585 million for weather-related damages, underscoring the increasing impact of climate change. This trend may lead to higher premiums for home and property insurance. It’s advisable to assess your current coverage to ensure it adequately protects against evolving environmental risks.
SOURCE: The Gauardian
