Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

Mortgage Strategy Highlights: Stamp Duty, Aldermore LTV, and Tribunal Ruling

Mortgage Strategy’s latest round-up covers key developments for the UK property sector, including confirmation that there will be no changes to stamp duty in the next budget, Aldermore’s increase of its maximum loan-to-value (LTV) to 98%, and an employment tribunal ruling in favour of former Connells chief executive David Livesey.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the government will not make any changes to stamp duty in the upcoming autumn Budget. This announcement provides clarity for buyers and the wider property industry, following concerns that speculation over potential changes was delaying transactions.

Aldermore has launched a redesigned residential mortgage proposition, raising its maximum LTV to 98% for employed borrowers. The lender has also introduced a five-tier product structure aimed at supporting customers with complex circumstances. The updated criteria offer more flexibility for first-time buyers, self-employed applicants, and those with adverse credit, including acceptance of some unsecured arrears and a more accommodating approach to defaults and county court judgments.

In employment news, former Connells chief executive David Livesey has won claims for constructive unfair dismissal and age discrimination after an employment tribunal found he was treated unlawfully during his departure from the company. The tribunal found that Connells breached trust in the handling of his exit and discriminated against him regarding a senior executive share scheme, though it rejected allegations of a bullying campaign.

Other industry updates include Halifax, BM Solutions, TSB, and Leeds Building Society raising selected mortgage rates by up to 20 basis points, and Zoopla urging sellers to price properties competitively as the market enters a quieter summer period.

These developments are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks monitoring changes in mortgage criteria, property pricing, and legal rulings affecting the sector.