The Stamp Duty Holiday Is Over. Thank Goodness. Now Let’s Get Back to Doing Things Properly.
The recent SDLT holiday is over — thank goodness. While it brought temporary savings to many buyers, it also brought a level of pressure to the property market that was, frankly, exhausting. For everyone involved — buyers, sellers, estate agents, lenders, movers and particularly conveyancers — the race to complete before the deadline turned what should be a structured legal process into a mad dash to the finish line.
Now, with the holiday behind us and the financial year reset, we can all breathe a little easier. But there’s a catch: a lot of buyers and sellers are still operating as if we’re in “holiday mode” — expecting transactions to wrap up in a matter of weeks, documents to fly out instantly, and solicitors to work at warp speed. The reality? That pace wasn’t normal. It wasn’t healthy. And it’s certainly not sustainable going forward.
So, What’s Changed?
The 2025 stamp duty land tax holiday, like the one we all remember during the pandemic, was a short-term measure designed to boost activity (courtesy of the brief but memorable Liz Truss administration). It worked — perhaps too well. The volume of transactions surged. Deadlines were everything. Clients were understandably focused on maximising savings. But the result was a conveyancing system stretched to its limits, with many professionals burning the candle at both ends to get deals through.
Now that the incentive has ended, we can expect a welcome return to measured, diligent, and — most importantly — safer transactions.
That Doesn’t Mean Slow. It Means Thorough.
A standard residential transaction typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. Some move faster, many take longer — especially where there’s a chain, leasehold complexity, or delays in mortgage funding.
What that time allows for is proper legal due diligence. Time to raise questions about the title. Time to review replies. Time to chase managing agents, clarify lease terms, and make sure that what you’re buying (or selling) is exactly what it claims to be.
In other words: the kind of conveyancing that keeps you protected. The wheels may grind slow, but they grind fine.
Fast Is Possible — But Only If You Do It Right
Let’s be clear: we’re not saying speed is impossible. At Bishop & Sewell, we complete transactions quickly and efficiently all the time. But there’s a world of difference between doing something quickly and doing it rushed.
Getting the documents is one thing — reading them is another. And more than that, you need time to understand them. That’s where true due diligence lies. It’s not just a tick-box exercise; it’s about identifying risks, clarifying issues, and making sure nothing hidden in the fine print comes back to bite you.
We can move quickly — but only if:
- You instruct early.
- The paperwork is complete and honest.
- And there’s enough space for us to spot problems before they become expensive surprises.
Preparation makes speed possible. But understanding makes it safe.
What You Can Do to Help Things Move Along
Whether you’re buying or selling — or both — you can absolutely play a part in keeping your transaction efficient. At Bishop & Sewell, we pride ourselves on helping clients understand the process from the outset, and we’ve seen time and again that a bit of early preparation can save a lot of time (and stress) later on.
If You’re Selling:
Don’t wait until you find a buyer to instruct a solicitor. Speak to us as soon as you decide to market your property. At Bishop & Sewell, we frequently advise clients on pre-sale matters, and in many cases we’re able to spot and resolve legal issues while the property is still on the market. That might include missing consents for works, lingering leasehold questions, or documents you didn’t realise were needed.
We also recommend:
- Completing your Property Information Form (TA6) and other forms early, and answering them fully.
- Collecting paperwork now: warranties, planning permissions, lease documents, and anything else that may be needed for the sale pack.
- Being open about anything that might raise questions. Surprises slow things down — preparation speeds things up.
If You’re Buying:
- Get your mortgage in principle in place before offering.
- Provide your solicitor with ID and source of funds documents straight away — AML checks can’t start without them.
- Understand that searches, enquiries, and title checks aren’t “admin” — they’re how your solicitor protects your future investment.
- Respond promptly to queries, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t make sense.
A Note on Timelines
We know that expectations have shifted. Many clients had transactions complete in record time during the SDLT holiday — and now assume that’s how it should always be. But the reality is, that speed was possible only because the market was warped by deadline pressure.
Now that we’ve returned to a more stable pace, it’s a good time to recalibrate. We’re still committed to moving as quickly as possible — but not at the expense of doing things properly.
The Bottom Line
The end of the stamp duty holiday is a relief — not just because the rush is over, but because it gives everyone involved in property transactions a chance to focus on quality over speed.
Bishop & Sewell is ready to help you navigate the next phase of your property journey with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re preparing to sell or about to make an offer, speak to us early. With the right advice and the right preparation, your transaction can still be smooth — just without the panic.
Contact our Residential Property team
To contact Charlie Davidson, Senior Associate, or any member of Bishop & Sewell’s Residential Property Team call 020 7631 4141, use our quick enquiry form or email us at mail@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
You can contact Charlie by email cdavidson@bishopandsewell.co.uk or follow Charlie; Hound of Holborn on LinkedIn.
The above is accurate as at 1 April 2025. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice, and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
