The UK housing market has entered the final part of the year on a cautious but surprisingly resilient footing, with house prices remaining unchanged in September despite continued pressure from mortgage rates, household costs and wider economic uncertainty.

Having an offer accepted on a property should feel like a major milestone. But getting from “offer accepted” to “completion” can sometimes feel like a very different story. New research suggests that conveyancing is now seen by many homebuyers as one of the biggest obstacles to a smooth property transaction — even more so than property chains.

A new government scheme could help first-time buyers purchase with a deposit of just 2.5%. With more details expected at the October Budget, here’s what prospective buyers need to know.

Summer is traditionally a quieter period for the UK property market, with school holidays, family commitments and overseas travel often causing buyers and sellers to put their plans on hold. This year, however, prolonged hot weather appears to have added to the seasonal slowdown.