Getting on the property ladder in the UK is no easy feat. Between rising house prices, large deposits, and extra costs like Stamp Duty, first-time buyers face a serious challenge. But a new proposal from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch could offer real relief: scrapping Stamp Duty on homes bought as a main residence.

As November draws near, red poppies begin to bloom across lapels, symbolising remembrance, gratitude, and unity. Each year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal brings communities together to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and give back and thanks to the tireless RBL volunteers.

This Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th–15th October), our firm, Amos Estates have been working with Holly & Lee Gisby to ensure the shopping areas of Hockley, Thundersley and Rayleigh are adorned with hundreds of lovingly knitted hearts placed on local railings, a moving tribute to babies gone too soon.

A growing number of Londoners are swapping city chaos for the greener, calmer pastures of places like Hadleigh, Benfleet, Rayleigh & Hockley, where the air is fresher, the homes are bigger, and the coffee still hits the spot. So what’s the big appeal? And why are so many people heading east with a Rightmove tab permanently open? Let’s take a look.