August does not have to be a quiet month for your property search. With the right financial preparation and viewing strategy, summer buyers can uncover opportunities others may miss.

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.

As school holidays approach, family buyers often become more focused. For sellers with space, gardens or flexible rooms, July can be a useful moment to attract motivated movers.

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.