SAVILLS in Cirencester is urging those considering selling in 2016 to bring their property to market sooner rather than later, to ensure a sale is completed before April 1, 2016.

This is the anticipated deadline after which purchasers will be liable for an increased level of stamp duty on "additional properties" including buy to let properties.

The additional rate will be three percentage points above the current rate of stamp duty and will apply to purchases of such residential properties costing more than £40,000 when the acquisition completes on or after April 1, 2016.

Anthony Coaker, director and head of residential at Savills in Cirencester, comments: “What is meant by an ‘additional property’ is not just what we would usually consider a buy to let property or a second home.

"If an individual owns a property as a main residence, at home or even abroad, and then buys a new home before selling their old one, they will be liable to pay the increased stamp duty at the time of that purchase completing.

"A refund will be available if the original main residence is then sold, but only if this transaction completes within 18 months.

“We anticipate this rise in stamp duty having a noticeable impact on the prime market locally.

"In our view, the pending March 30, 2016, sale completion deadline will create an initial rush of demand from those seeking to avoid the additional tax with a quieter period thereafter. So we are urging would-be vendors to act now to bring their property to market, if they want to capture these motivated buyers. And let’s not forget that the demand for properties in the Cotswolds remains very strong for those who are simply looking for a family home.”

For further information and for a free market appraisal, contact Savills, in Cirencester: on +44 (0)1285 627550.