Great news for first-time buyers
The announcements in the 2017 Autumn Budget were designed to help first-time buyers by abolishing Stamp Duty fees for properties under £300,000. But if your property is worth between £300,000 and £500,000, you'll pay 5% Stamp Duty on this segment of the purchase price.
For example, if the property is worth £350,000 the buyer will pay 5% (£2,500) on £50,000.00. If a first-time buyer’s purchase price is over £500,000, there will be no discount on Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator
Find out how much Stamp Duty Land Tax you'll need to pay with our free calculator.
The average price of a property in London(Data taken from UK House Price Index)https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-house-price-index-for-november-2017) |
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London Local Authorities | Average property price (November 2017) |
Rank cheapest to dearest |
Barking and Dagenham | £289,992 | 30 |
Bexley | £339,166 | 29 |
Newham | £356,216 | 28 |
Havering | £365,693 | 27 |
Croydon | £373,581 | 26 |
Sutton | £385,717 | 25 |
Hounslow | £398,473 | 24 |
Greenwich | £401,226 | 23 |
Enfield | £406,300 | 22 |
Hillingdon | £419,369 | 21 |
Redbridge | £425,582 | 20 |
Waltham Forest | £442,704 | 19 |
Guildford | £443,044 | 18 |
Bromley | £447,338 | 17 |
Harrow | £478,039 | 16 |
Kingston upon Thames | £486,707 | 15 |
Ealing | £487,535 | 14 |
Tower Hamlets | £497,403 | 13 |
Lambeth | £516,104 | 12 |
Southwark | £524,579 | 11 |
Merton | £538,347 | 10 |
Haringey | £546,185 | 09 |
Barnet | £550,344 | 08 |
Wandsworth | £595,574 | 07 |
Hackney | £599,035 | 06 |
Richmond upon Thames | £663,921 | 05 |
Islington | £686,637 | 04 |
Hammersmith and Fulham | £739,997 | 03 |
Camden | £861,159 | 02 |
Kensington And Chelsea | £1,258,948 | 01 |
In the table above, most of the cheapest areas are currently in the East of London.
If you are living in Barking and Dagenham but work in the City of London, you would expect a commuting time of around 45 minutes each way (according to Google Maps).
Things to consider when buying a house in London
The deposit
With the rising costs of living, it can be difficult to gain enough capital for the deposit. There are many options to help first-time buyers including shared ownership, help to buy and even new build properties. To get on the housing ladder, we recommend setting a budget and see what non-essential items you can cut back on. This little sacrifice can serve you well in the long term.
The commute
Sometimes it can be cheaper to relocate to another part of London or even moving on the outskirts. However, if moving to a new location requires a longer commute, it is essential to understand what you’re getting into. If your new property is one hour away from work, that’s 40 hours per month travelling back and forth.
The mortgage payments
Whether you’re sharing a property with a loved one or going solo, it is crucial that you can keep up with the mortgage payments. It is highly recommended that you speak with an independent financial advisor for some impartial advice.
Family and Friends
If you’re going to relocate to a different area, how far away are you going to be to your friends and family? How nice is the area your looking to move to? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Visit where you could be potentially living first. Spend some time in the local bars and restaurants. Find out where the local shops are. Find out as much as you can about the area.
Finally, getting the best price for your conveyancing
There are two types of homeowners in London. The first homeowner will pay a premium to attend meetings at their solicitor’s office.
The second homeowner uses a different top-quality conveyancing solicitor in London, but does the entire process conveniently over the phone and by email.
At Banner Jones, we offer a great conveyancing package where you don’t need to visit our offices. Therefore, saving you time and money.
We know how frustrating London traffic is, so why pay more to see your solicitor when the process can be done from the comfort of your home?
To find out how, call Banner Jones Solicitors today on
Mr & Mrs B, MansfieldGreat service from start to finish. Josh kept us updated throughout the process and was always very prompt with responses. Highly recommended.
Mr B & Ms R, Market WarsopCheryl gave an excellent service. Told us everything in detail. Good work, Cheryl.
Mr & Mrs C, HockleyHolly
Many thanks for all your help in making the sale /purchase of the above properties such a thoroughly smooth, stress free journey.
We can highly recommend your company .
Mr & Mrs H, ChesterfieldThanks so much for all the hard work. Even though the chain wasn't without it's issues, we found you both to be swift in your responses and supportive to us as a family.
You'll be pleased to know we love our new home and have settled in brilliantly.
Mr & Mrs J, Isle of WightHollie was excellent. They responded to all our enquires straight away and explained everything in great detail. Banner Jones offer a friendly and reliable service.
Mr & Mrs D, MansfieldThe whole process of purchasing a property was made easy. It was a smooth transaction throughout. The advisor was competent, friendly and readily available.
Mr & Mrs W, Old WhittingtonFrom start to finish on dealing with the selling of the property Karen Askew has been most helpful in keeping us informed and we are very grateful for that. Thank you.
Mr L & Ms S, WaltonMove went well and really impressed with how quick you have been with your responses and getting everything sorted! We will definitely be recommending you!
Mrs S, SheffieldAmazing - thank you so much for being super efficient and helpful with the whole process - compared to when bought this house (with another company) it's been a breeze!
Mrs T, HeeleyYou kept me informed every step of the way. Thank you.
Mr & Mrs E, BramptonWe would like to thank you for your professional service throughout the sale, and the purchase. We feel the communication between yourself and us has been strong throughout, and we will definitely recommend you to anyone we know of who requires a conveyancing solicitor, as well as using you ourselves again in the future.
Mrs S, ShirecliffeConveyancing in Sheffield
Very friendly and very helpful and very understanding.
Mr C & Mrs T, SheffieldExcellent service made it simple and easy to sell our house.
Mr W, Salford QuaysHi Mark. We wanted to write to say thank you for helping us. This is now the fourth sale you have conveyanced for us and each time we have been very satisfied with the service provided. Many thanks.
Mr H & Ms P, SheffieldThank you for all your support and patience as we bought our first house!
Mr B & Ms N, Great WymondleyExtremely professional, helpful and kept us up to date at all stages of the process. Would be more than happy to recommend Karen to anyone moving properties in the future. Thank you.
Mrs H, Old WhittingtonVery efficient, seamless service.
Mr & Mrs R, ChesterfieldThank you both for all your help and patience.
Miss C, SheffieldWe would both like to say a huge thank you for all your help! We're aware we probably weren't the easiest clients what with strange addresses, losing the first house and pushy vendors! You've both been great, really helpful and clear with what you were doing for us. So thank you!
Mrs E, DaltonDear Jamie and Alison, I have checked my account and the payment landed before lunchtime, thank you. I’ve never had a bank balance so big in my life, I may need to frame the Bank Statement!! A great big THANK YOU for everything you’ve done and for all your help, support and patience, it’s very much appreciated. Many thanks and best regards
Mrs S, WharncliffeI just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help with the annoyingness you have had to deal with, we understand it wasn't an easy process but we fully appreciated how brilliant you were, we would highly recommend you. Was always a pleasure to speak even through the chaos. Thanks to Jayne also.
Mr S, MansfieldMay I just say thank you for all you have done for me. The kindness, caring attitude you have shown and the way you have put things over to me so I can understand them.
Miss E, CresswellI just want to say a huge thank you for being the best solicitor EVER! For helping me change my name. I was overjoyed when my mum told me that we’d won. I’m looking forward to starting secondary with a fresh start.
Ms R, BolsoverStaff who have helped me at Banner Jones have been professional, courteous, prompt and kind. Special thanks for advice and updates (about safeguarding ideas too), and for my Will.
Mr & Mrs D-G, WaltonMay we convey our sincere thanks to Stacey for all the work they have done. We are most grateful for your efficiency and professionalism throughout the process.
Mr & Mrs D, CalowThanks for your hard work in this I have been very impressed with your efficiency throughout this process.
Mr & Mrs S, Dunham on TrentI would just like to thank you and your team for the work on our property sales and purchases. Your work definitely helped speed up the process and allowed us to complete quicker, and we will definitely recommend you.
Mr & Mrs F, SheffieldDear Sally, Catherine and Clare, I would just like to say thank you to you all for making our house move remarkably straightforward and stress free. The move went very smoothly on Friday and we are very happy in our new home. Hopefully, we won't be moving again any time soon, but thanks again!
Mr & Miss G, Isle of WightI write in regard to your conveyancing services on our son's property purchase on the Isle of Wight. We are pleased to say he and his fiancé took possession mid September and are happy in their first 'real' home. At the time of your contact with us we had two other unrelated conveyancing processes in play, and I am pleased to inform you we are very impressed with your swift service. I wish I had found you sooner as one of the two - straightforward, no chain property services - has yet to complete (latest projection is late October 2016!) much to our increasing annoyance! We shall be looking to sell our property in the future and will retain your contact details for conveyancing purposes. I would recommend your business to friends and family. Thank you once again for your swift services.
Mrs C, ChesterfieldThe service I received couldn't have been better!
Miss D, Pleasley ValeThe service provided during our recent moving house was excellent. We were kept up to date on progress, and the problems that arose were dealt with in a timely fashion. Communication by email was easy and informative. We would definitely recommend Banner Jones.
Miss B, CalowThanks so much for what you have done, and for keeping me updated with everything. I will be sure to recommend you. Take care!
Mr M & Miss S, WorksopExcellent service! Karen could not do enough for us, and it's thanks to her and Nathan that we are in our first home without any issues and so quickly.
Mr R & Mrs C, Bole HillThank you for everything Gemma. Very happy with the service you have provided.
Mr R, WingerworthJessica was excellent and pushed things through, having had to pick the case up late.
Mrs T, MontonHi Chris, hope you're well! Really pleased to say that we've finally completed on our sale and purchase :) Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks for your help. Gemma worked on our case after Lisa and was absolutely brilliant! Wouldn't hesitate in recommending her. Hope you have a fab Christmas and New Year! Best wishes
Mrs D, Old WhittingtonPolite and friendly. Very professional. Excellent service.
Mr W, ChesterfieldJust wanted to say thank you for all your efforts with our move earlier in the year. We really appreciate your effort and help in making the move happen. Thanks again
Mr & Mrs H, UptonWould highly recommend. Very efficient, friendly and good communication. The whole process went very smoothly. Will definitely use your services again.
Mr W & Ms M, WoodseatsWe wanted to say thank you to you and your team for your smooth handling of our recent move. Your professionalism and tenacity are much appreciated, and you always made us feel reassured every step of the way.
Mr P & Miss P, ChesterfieldCouldn't have asked for a more professional, friendly and efficient service.
Mrs McC-W, MansfieldI have moved house before and I have had poor service. Both Jessica and Jade were helpful and supportive, especially when I was feeling very apprehensive.
Chris Breeze Managing Director – DCJ Group Insurance, ChesterfieldMy family, and our business, always use Banner Jones Solicitors for a range of legal services. From wills and property purchases to more complex commercial legal matters, I would not hesitate in recommending Chris Sellars and the team at Banner Jones Solicitors.
Throughout my dealings, Chris has shown fantastic communication skills, judgement, perseverance and research knowledge and I cannot praise him and Banner Jones enough.
Miss H, NewboldI also want to say thank you to yourself, Stacey and Natalie. You've all been excellent, very helpful and very friendly. We will definitely be recommending to family and friends and will, without doubt, use yourselves again.
Mr H & Mr H, LondonMany thanks for managing this process so efficiently for us. Your hard work and diligence is greatly appreciated.
Mr H, SheffieldThanks so much for all your vast efforts in completing the purchase on my behalf! Well done - you're a star!
Mr, L, LondonWe are very happy with the service we receive from Mark Bilton and Dawn Wilford and intend to use their services again in the future.
Mr L, SurreySally, is it too soon to say I love you??! Thank so much for completing on our home!
Mr P, LondonI wanted to write to thank you personally for your support in resolving this matter and equally to commend Ian’s continued effort and patience over the last year. He has been a great professional and taken a personal interest in expediting the process where possible to bring to the earliest conclusion.
Mr A, EssexOnce again, thank you so much for all your help and updates - it’s made life so much easier.
Mr & Mrs Q, EcclesfieldEveryone was very helpful and made the experience of buying our first home easy and stress-free.
Mr B, NottinghamRecieved excellent service. Great comunication from Laura, I would definitely recommend this company!
Miss C, GloucestershireHollie, you've made me an incredibly happy lady! Thank you so much for all you support, I appreciate your time and for keeping me up to date throughout. A very thorough service.
Mr G & Mrs B, SuttonKatie, Carey
Now that the dust has settled I just wanted to thank you for your dealing with the coveyancing for the sale of our Mother's flat. I know it was rather more protracted than expected but thanks for your perseverence and professional approach.
Mr R, ChesterfieldWe are most grateful to you for all your hard work and diligence in seeing through this sale to a conclusion.
Mr E & Miss W, ChesterfieldJust a short note to thank you for the prompt and efficient way you handled the sale of our property.
Mr & Mrs T, MansfieldOutstanding service from start to finish. Very efficient, polite and friendly staff, who respond to emails very quickly within a very short time limit.
Mr & Mrs C, WorksopWe were extremely happy with the quick, efficient way that our house purchase was handled by Karen Askew. Time was very important as we were in danger of losing the property if we had not completed the purchase within a few weeks. Thank you very much Karen,
Mr J, HitchinDealt with Mark Bilton for over 25 years re commercial and residential properties. 1st class service from all departments, I would highly recommend this firm!
Mrs N, BakewellExcellent service from friendly, approachable people.
Miss N, NottinghamshireThank you so much for everything, you have been an absolute star!
Mr & Mrs L, DerbyshireWe just want to express our sincere thanks for the professional and efficient way in which you and your team have dealt with the conveyancing following the sale of my late Aunt's property.
Jessica and Jade were extremely helpful and professional also and it was a pleasure to know they were picking up the reins should you be otherwise engaged.
We would have no hesitation in using the services of Banner Jones on a future matter.
Mr T, HertfordI was very happy with the service provided. The team was responsive and efficient and did everything I asked of them.
Mrs P, ChesterfieldThe service was very quick and easy to follow. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Would recommend a friend or colleague to Banner Jones.
Mr S, HeanorProfessional, helpful, caring and genuine. Nothing was ever too much trouble or to ask for.
Mr & Mrs B, DevonThank you for your most efficient service.
Mr S, RotherhamThank you for your assistance with these two transactions. I am very happy with the level of support and assistance you've provided, and glad that I have chosen Banner Jones.
Ms L, ChesterfieldBoth Natalie and Stacey were very friendly and I had a professional service for both my house purchase and Will. The staff were very nice to talk to and helped me with every step if I was unsure what to do. Will highly recommend to friends and family.
Mr & Mrs J, SheffieldThanks for your help and assistance throughout and which has been greatly appreciated. You have dealt with this matter in a most professional manner and I will have no hesitation in recommending you to any family or friends who need such assistance in the future.
Mrs W, MountsorrelThank you for your work in this matter, I really appreciate that you understood my circumstances and were able to complete in my absence. I will recommend your servcies to friends and family, and I will certainly use your services myself if and when I need to sell another property.
Mr LWhat a relief this is. My wife (Sue) and I cannot thank you enough in how you have dealt with your sale. Your conduct & friendliness throughout has been exceptional. Thank you once again.
Mr C, MansfieldOverall I was very happy with the conveyancing advice I recieved. I was certainly recommend and use Banner Jones again.
Mr & Mrs H, ChesterfieldFound your services helpful and would use Banner Jones again.
Mr & Mrs L, NottinghamshireAbsolutley brilliant staff were helpful and friendly to me, Banner Jones staff have made buying our property as easy, with step by step feedback, even with the sale process. Thank you, very very much.
Mr & Mrs H, SheffieldThe service given st the Dronfield branch was excellent. Staff were always friendly and helpful, nothing was ever too much trouble. We will definitely be using Banner Jones in the future.
A special mention to Catherine Wilson who helped us through a traumatic house move!
Mr & Mrs G, WorksopBanner Jones provided a very friendly service and we felt on equal terms with our representitive. Our queries were dealt with quickly and we got the home we wanted
Mr & Mrs K, LeicesterKate and her team were very professional, knowledgeable, prompt and customer focused. The whole process was handled seamlessely and they were friendly and helpful. We will definitely like to use Banner Jones and highly recommend to our friends and family.
Miss Y, MansfieldBanner Jones have helped me buy and sell my houses with great ease.
Mr & Mrs H, ChesterfieldThank you for dealing with the saleso efficiently and for your help with the mortgage discharge.
Mr & Mrs W, DronfieldFantastic service from start to finish.
Mr & Mrs S, ChesterfieldThankyou to you and your team for dealing with our move.
Mr & Mrs P, SheffieldKate Skelton was very helpful, knowledgable and confident in dealing withour residential conveyancing. She always put us at ease and explained everything to us during each step of the way.
3Sixty Financial SolutionsThanks Jessica, efficient and helpful as always!
Mrs V, DronfieldWe have been very impressed with your help so far and therefore would like to use Banner Jones for both the sale of our current property and the purchase of our new property, based on the quotations we have received.
Mr M & Ms MHolly, thank you so much for all your hard work to get us into our new house for Christmas!
Mr B & Miss W, ChesterfieldThe purchase went through very quickly and smoothly, and I was kept updated throughout the whole process. Highly recommended!
Mr & Mrs HThe whole buying & selling process was really smooth. Everyone says that buying & selling a house is very stressfull but you made it all stress free and we would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone. Thanks again.
Mr H, ChesterfieldKate Skelton and her team are excellent, friendly and such helpful staff.
Mr & Mrs K, ChesterfieldFantastic service by Gemma Sharpe-Buckley at the Chesterfield branch. Always responded ASAP to every email, I sent several with lots of questions and I was always provided with clear answers to help me. 100% would recommend,
Mr & Mrs G, SheffieldWe are thoroughly happy with the service provided by Banner Jones Solicitors. Kate was extremely professional, efficient and friendly. The team worked hard to secure our sale and purchase and to ensure our move was completed smoothly. We recommend Banner Jones to anyone and would not hesitate to use this firm again.