Time is running out for tax relief

As part of the Government's economic stimulus package, homes between £125,000 and £175,000 have been nil-rated for stamp duty since September 2008. After January 01, the one per cent rate applies again while VAT will jump back from 15% to 17.5% - raising other house-buying costs including legal and survey fees. smartnewhomes.com have a variety of new homes for sale throughout the UK for less than £175,000, all benefiting from the Government exemption on stamp duty payments. First time buyers need to get a move on though to avoid an extra tax bill. Here's our selection of smart buys under £175,000 from around the UK.
	Liverpool - £145,995 3 bed house Dorrington Gardens, Portland Place, Liverpool, Merseyside
Dorrington Gardens offers 5 styles of homes to include spacious apartments with gardens, 2 & 3 bedroom houses with garage & gardens. This development is situated close to the city centre, Albert Docks & the new Liverpool One With a good choice of schools & easy access to local transport links, train & bus stations. Good road connections to M62/ M57, Ring Road and John Lennon Airport.
	Leeds - £159,995 3 bed townhouse The Gateway, St Georges Road, Middleton, Leeds, West Yorkshire
The cosmopolitan city of Leeds is one of the UK's real success stories. Being rich in history and culture, the city has reinvented itself over recent years and is now seen as one of the country's main financial centres. This is also reflected in the wide range of attractions on offer. Whether it's the stylish department stores like Harvey Nicholls, the varied boutiques in the Victoria Quarter or the huge selection of restaurants, bars and other nightlife, Leeds has something to excite, no matter what your taste in entertainment. But don't worry if you prefer a slightly slower pace, the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District National Parks also close at hand. Being one of the UK's most vibrant and exciting cities, there are endless possibilities for leisure, nightlife and entertainment.
	Birmingham - £134,950 2 bed apartment Nether Hall Park, Great Barr, West Midlands
A further phase of Nether Hall Park, a unique development located on the outskirts of Birmingham. With excellent commuter links this phase features a wide range of two bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhouses.
	Manchester - £142,000 to £156,500 1 bed apartment Vallea Court, Greenquarter, Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester
The fifth phase of Manchester’s most exciting, new, mixed-use community is now available. Vallea Court & Cypress Place occupy the sunny south eastern corner of this urban oasis, with convenient access to greenquarter’s leisure, retail and commercial areas. Spread across two residential blocks raised on a plinth, Vallea Court & Cypress Place are centred around a private, residents’ garden. People living here will either enjoy views of this hidden sanctuary or the nearby river and Manchester City Centre.
	Newcastle - £159,950 3 bed house The Balliol Mews, Off Ashdown Way, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne
Balliol Mews in Benton is the latest development from award-winning house builder Yuill Homes. An ideal location, situated on the outskirts of Newcastle, this imaginatively designed collection of 2 and 3 bedroom homes showcases the very best in modern living and is perfect for commuters to the vibrant city centre with its cosmopolitan mix of bars, restaurants and theatres. There is also pleasant countryside close by and the coast is only a short drive away. Balliol Mews offers a range of properties which are both practical and stylish with great value-added extras. All the homes work beautifully with well planned living spaces and neat hidden storage ideas that complement fabulous design touches and a fantastic specification.
	London - £149,995 1 bed apartment Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London, Greater London
Central London is only 10 minutes by train to London Bridge or Victoria. Or alternatively, use the Docklands Light Railway, which has it's Southern terminus in Lewisham. And the Underground currently reaches nearby New Cross with plans to come further south as part of the East London Line extension.