HAVE you missed the chance to take advantage of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s stamp duty holiday? 

With just 54 days until the March 31 deadline, it is unlikely anyone who hasn’t had an offer accepted already will be able to avoid paying stamp duty tax. 

House sales are currently taking on average 126 days to complete, that’s more than four months, according to the latest statistics from Rightmove. 

Tim Bannister, director of property data at Rightmove said:

“There are still a huge number of sales agreed in 2020 that are stuck in the processing logjam and awaiting legal completion, with many hoping to beat the impending tax deadline. 

"For those who fail to do so, there may be difficulties if they have factored the tax savings into their budget calculations."

However, don’t let the end of the stamp duty tax holiday put you off moving house - make sure you know how much extra you’ll be paying and factor that into your budget when you find your dream home. 

Using a stamp duty tax calculator it is easy to find out how much extra you’ll have to pay, we’ve used one from London and Country Mortgages. 

Here’s how much stamp duty you will have to pay on these five homes under £500,000 Hertfordshire:

Leggatts Way, Watford WD24

£500,000

Harrow Times:

This beautiful three-bedroom home in Durley is currently on the market for £500,000. 

If you are not a first time buyer and this wouldn't be a second home or rental property then you would have to pay an additional £15,000 in stamp duty tax.

A charming home this large property boasts two reception rooms and has been extended to provide spacious ground floor living space.

The immaculate property also benefits from driveway parking and a good-sized garden.

Find out more on Zoopla.

Chapel Cottages, Hemel Hempstead HP2

£400,000

Harrow Times:

This quaint three-bedroom home in Hemel Hempstead is currently for sale at £400,000. 

The outstanding family home is on the market with David Doyle Estate Agents.

It has undergone improvements including a refitted bathroom and kitchen, making it a lovely modern space for the new buyers. 

The total stamp duty for this property is £10,000 which is payable within two weeks of the sale. 

If you're interested in this property visit Zoopla.

The Farthings, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1

£400,000

Harrow Times:

Another £400,000 home in Hemel Hempstead, this immaculate family home has been completely renovated and provides gorgeous accommodation. 

Set in Boxmoor the property is on the market with Castle Estate Agents - you would need to pay an additional £10,000 stamp duty.

Spanning three-storeys the property boasts an open-plan kitchen and reception room, separate living room and three bedrooms.

Find out more on Zoopla. 

Judge Street, North Watford WD24

£300,000

Harrow Times:

The guide price for this three-bedroom home in North Watford is £300,000 which means the buyer would pay an additional £5,000 in stamp duty. 

In need of complete modernisation throughout this terraced property requires a considerable amount of work.

The ideal buyers will have some additional budget left to breathe fresh air into this property and restore its former glory. 

Find out more on Zoopla. 

Corner Hall, Hemel Hempstead,  HP3

£300,000

Harrow Times:

This quaint and characterful Grade II listed cottage is available for £300,000 and is on the market with Imagine estate agents.

The property benefits from a small garden and parking to the rear.

The tardis-like property has a large living room with character fire, stunning country kitchen and dining room and two good-sized bedrooms. 

Find out more on Zoopla.