EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
EDITORIAL – 020 3488 7754
Editor-in-Chief SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
This year seems to have flown by! It’s been interesting with a new Labour Government and the recent Budget. It is a great shame that the Stamp Duty threshold increase will end on 31 March 2025. For first time buyers this means that at the moment there is no Stamp Duty to pay on a property which costs up to £425,000 but that threshold will now return to £300,000.We know many of you are desperate to get on the ladder and we truly believe this is possible. My advice would be that if you are nearly ready to buy it would be advisable to take
Editor LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Editorial Assistant and Head of Special Events KATIE WRIGHT
Editorial and Special Events Assistant SOPHIE MUNNERY
Creative Director RYAN BEAL
that leap sooner rather than later to avoid losing out. In the meantime, with Christmas just around the corner I hope you enjoy our festive features – lovely decorations and the best Christmas fayre from the supermarkets. We know that the property market has its ups and downs, but things appear to be looking up. Debbie Clark takes a look at some of the most popular locations for first time buyers, which are well worth checking out and we highlight some affordable homes in those areas too (see pages 22-26). I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. I hope you enjoy this issue which is packed with information and help when buying your first home – enjoy!
Sub Editor KAY HILL
Social Media KATIE WRIGHT, SOPHIE MUNNERY
Contributors CHRIS CLARK, DEBBIE CLARK, KAY HILL, STEVE HIRD, SOPHIE MUNNERY, LAURA DEAN-OSGOOD, CORALIE PHELAN, GINETTA VEDRICKAS, STEPHEN WARD, BEVIN WOBY, KATIE WRIGHT
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Director of Advertising/Exhibition Sales LYNDA CLARK lynda@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Special Events KATIE WRIGHT – National Home Buying Week – First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards katie@ rsttimebuyermag.co.uk Accounts accounts@ultimateguidecompany.com Managing Director SARAH GARRETT sarahg@spmgroup.co.uk
Until next time, happy house hunting
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@firsttimebuyermag
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EDITOR’S PICKS…
All advertising copy for February/March 2025 must be received before 10 January 2025. Send all copy to: lynda@firsttimebuyermag.co.uk The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in First Time Buyer magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. © The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd 2008-2025. The Ultimate Guide Company Ltd t/a First Time Buyer magazine will take no responsibility for any loss/claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners.
I like the idea of a new and growing community, with new facilities, too. Marissa Polydorou, House Hunter, page 14 Securing your rate for a period of ve to 15 years makes it easier to budget and removes the stress. James Pagan, Finance, page 86
I focused on my mood boards where I showed people how to style a luxurious room for less. Jade Waller, At home with, page 12
Buy with the location at the forefront of your thinking; accessibility to family, friends, work and play. Harrison Smith, 20 Questions, page 106
I think it’s fascinating what the same
budget can get in different locations. Joseph Grant, Developer’s Doctor, page 16
First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025 3
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