The UK housing market continued to shift in favour of buyers throughout May, as transaction levels softened slightly and supply continued to outweigh demand in many areas. While headlines may focus on small percentage changes, the underlying story is far more significant.

The UK property market remains under close watch following confirmation from Prime Minister Andy Burnham that there will be no changes to stamp duty in this year’s Budget. Despite widespread speculation and ongoing calls for reform, the government has made it clear that altering or abolishing the tax is not currently on the agenda.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a noticeable shift as major lenders begin reducing mortgage rates, signalling a change in momentum after a period of uncertainty. With swap rates easing and lenders keen to attract business, the landscape is becoming increasingly favourable but also more complex for buyers and homeowners. What can this mean for you?

The Bank of England is widely expected to hold interest rates at 3.75% when policymakers announce their latest decision on Thursday 30 July. While this may appear to signal stability on the surface, there are a number of underlying factors creating a more complex and uncertain outlook.