A Worcestershire property lawyer has reminded homeowners that the Government’s Stamp Duty holiday is continuing in July despite thresholds being changed.

Conveyancing expert Sharon Lerry fears some buyers and sellers in the county believe the tax exemption on buying homes ended completely on June 30, but also warned that time is critical if buyers are to benefit from the next Stamp Duty relief.

The Government will only be changing the threshold, which will see no Stamp Duty being paid from 1 July to 30 September, for any home up to the value of £250,000 – half the original £500,000 threshold exemption.

Homes purchased between the value of £250,001 and £925,000 will see a five per cent duty charge.

Miss Lerry, a senior associate at law firm mfg Solicitors said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all corners of daily life over the past 15 months but the housing market is bucking the trend and this has been fuelled by the Stamp Duty holiday which has kept the market busy and buoyant.

“I have heard people say that the house sale boom would stop as soon as the Stamp Duty holiday changed at the end of June.

"It is, however, really important to note that whilst the threshold will come down to £250,000, this will still keep deals moving along as it will really help first time buyers.

“What is vital is that those trying to push through a sale at pace have all the correct paperwork and correspondence at their fingertips.

“Professionals such as estate agents, brokers and lawyers are all under pressure to complete deals so buyers and sellers looking to take advantage of paying no Stamp Duty must ensure they are prepared.

"The process is taking much longer at present due to sheer volume.

“It will help massively in terms of timescales over the coming months and what we expect to be a hugely busy summer period.”