The Halifax predicts that upcoming changes to stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland will incentivize first-time home buyers, with the threshold for exemption dropping from £425,000 to £300,000 starting in April 2024. While average house prices are close to £300,000, experts warn that affordability continues to be a challenge. Analysts suggest that increased demand for properties is likely to occur ahead of the changes, though future interest rate reductions could alleviate some financial pressures for buyers.