Ministers are reportedly considering a crackdown on buyers and sellers who pull out of a deal at the last minute, or who try to gazump or gazunder each other. They are considering making house purchases legally binding much earlier in the process – for example, at the stage where an offer is accepted. If either the buyer or seller pulled out afterwards, they would have to pay the other party’s costs. Is this a good idea?

Do you think that the recent changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax will have an impact on property sales?