Stonebond schemes offer space plus easy drive to Canary Wharf

Buyers can make savings if they purchase home at Waterbeach, Woodbanks and Wintringham about an hour by road from east London

Stonebond is urging buyers to act rapidly to beat the 2025 Stamp Duty rise

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For many Londoners, escaping the smoke is the dream.

The idea of cashing in and leaving the city behind for more space and a better quality of life is a potent temptation.

Developer Stonebond is currently urging those in a position to do so not to delay.

The company is currently marketing three schemes, one at in Hertfordshire, just up the M11 and two in Cambridgeshire about an hour from Canary Wharf by car.

Why the urgency?

Well, on April 1, 2025, Stamp Duty is set to rise both for first-time buyers and those already on the ladder, presenting a window of opportunity.

Stonebond said those purchasing their first home would be hardest hit with an extra £6,250 payable thanks to a drop in the threshold when tax becomes payable from £425,000 to £300,000 and a 5% charge for homes priced between £300,001 and £500,000.

Other buyers will see the threshold halved from £250,000 to £125,000 increasing the cost of moving home across the whole market.

However, those able to buy and move into a home before March 31, 2025, can beat the tax rises and Stonebond has properties that are all ready to go.

The developer is currently marketing homes at three locations

places to purchase with Stonebond

Closest to east London is Woodbanks, a scheme in Takeley near Bishop’s Stortford.

The development benefits from 11 acres of green space and is located a six-minute drive from the M11, offering rapid journeys into Canary Wharf.

Homes available include The Gosfield, a four-bedroom house extending to some 1,497sq ft and on the market for £599,999.

Somewhat further out is Waterbeach, a scheme just north of Cambridge off the A10. Properties on offer include apartments offered through the Discount Market Sale scheme.

For those who’d prefer a house, The Newbury is a three-bedroom detached home with two terraces and a private garden priced at £625,000.

There’s also The Beckett, a four-bedroom townhouse with two en suites and a top floor terrace for £685,000.

Finally, Wintringham, close to St Neots, promises a “thriving new community” and a range of four-bedroom homes with prices starting at £485,000.

All three schemes have properties that are ready for buyers to move into before the end of March.

a buyer’s feedback

Waterbeach buyer Karen Wong, who recently purchased a property at the development said: “I’m thrilled to have purchased a three-bedroom home.

“From the moment I first visited, I was captivated by the peaceful, natural surroundings, and now I can’t wait to move in and start enjoying everything this incredible location has to offer.

“My new home is characterful, with a cosy and beautiful courtyard garden and two terraces, giving me the perfect spaces to take in and enjoy in the breathtaking and scenic views.

“When I learned about the tax thresholds changing, I started my property search earlier than I initially planned.

“The adjustments could potentially have cost me an additional £6,000, so I knew I needed to start looking for a new home quickly.

“The Stonebond team have been brilliant, guiding me through every step of the process and ensured I could complete ahead of the deadline, even with purchasing off-plan.

“Their support has been invaluable.”

Stonebond sales and marketing director, Annette Cole, added: “We’re pleased to be providing an unmissable opportunity to our customers, allowing them to take advantage of the savings that come with completing before the adjustments set in.”