First-time buyers in Ledbury are being urged to act before an expected stamp duty increase.

Bloor Homes has advised prospective buyers to consider their options before the predicted rise in stamp duty tax for first-time buyers next spring.

The previous government raised the threshold, allowing first-time buyers to pay zero stamp duty on purchases up to £425,000 until March.

However, this is not expected to continue beyond this date, meaning anyone buying a home for the first time from April will pay stamp duty on properties over the lower threshold of £300,000.

The housebuilder's The Arches development is offering incentives, including £7,000 cashback, to encourage first-time buyers to take advantage of the current stamp duty threshold.

Steve Roberts, managing director for its Western Region, said: "We are aware of the impending stamp duty increase and the impact this will have on first-time buyers.

"Therefore, we urge any first-time buyers who are interested in moving to Ledbury to check just how much more they could be expected to pay after the threshold is removed."

The housebuilder has built a range of two, three and four-bedroom energy-efficient homes located in The Arches on Bromyard Road.