Stamp duty is once again under the spotlight, with growing calls for a system that better reflects regional house prices. As affordability pressures continue, especially in the South East, proposals for change could reshape how much buyers pay and how the property market moves in the future.

A bank holiday weekend isn’t just a chance to relax it’s a prime opportunity to sell your home. With buyers more active, more available, and more motivated, listing your property at the right moment can make all the difference in securing interest and achieving a strong result.

Buying a home can feel easier when you know your budget, priorities and next steps. With mortgage costs still influencing decisions, preparation is one of the biggest advantages buyers have.

As we move through May 2026, buyers are seeing more homes come to market, but affordability still matters. Here is what today’s mix of greater choice, steady demand and higher mortgage costs means if you are planning a move.