Government introduces measures to boost the UK housing market.

From 3rd September 2008 the government introduced temporary measures aimed at boosting the UK residential housing market.
Stamp duty land tax is paid by the buyer as a percentage of the purchase price of the property. The 0% SDLT relief has been increased from £125,000 to £175,000 for one year.
If it's more than £175,000, you pay between one and four per cent of the whole purchase price.

For more information visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/TaxOnPropertyAndRentalIncome/DG_4015918

Relocating? Who's there to help?

Swallow Homesearch has been approached by the property website Houses for sale in Monmouthshire to contribute an article on who’s there to help when relocating. To read the full article go to www.housesforsaleinmonmouthshire.co.uk.

New railway link for South East Wales

A new railway link has opened today, from Ebbw Vale in South East Wales to Cardiff. The route which was closed down 46 years ago has undergone a £30m investment which also included the construction of six new stations, at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Crosskeys, Risca, Pontymister and Rogerstone.
It is hoped that the new route will ensure a prosperous future for the Blaenau Gwent Valleys and their communities. 6/02/08

£100m marina for Pembroke Dock

A £100M marina development described as one of the most innovative in the UK has been given the go-ahead for Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire. The Martello Quays development will contain hundreds of new homes, a multiplex cinema, a hotel and even a casino.
The development, named after the town’s Martello Tower, will be located opposite Neyland on the Cleddau Estuary between Hobbs Point and the ferry terminal to Ireland.
It will see the construction of a new sea wall and a new quay wall and house a gallery, pubs and restaurants, which is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and generate more than £10m a year for the town’s economy.
A marina with pontoons for up to 260 berths will also be created, along with 146 houses, 304 apartments, a hotel, a clubhouse, a boat workshop and multi-storey car park.
Initially, the structural phases are scheduled for completion by the end of 2009, with houses being built in phases until 2013. 9/01/08