News

Harmans breaks new ground with a pioneering investment service for retiring officers - Jan 2010

Stamp Duty Holiday for First Time Buyers
3rd September 2008

Yesterday’s announcement by the government, raising the stamp duty threshold from £125,000 to £175,000 for the next 12 months, has been widely welcomed for bringing weeks of speculation surrounding stamp duty to a close. The initiative is part of the government package to get the housing market moving again by targeting specific measures to improve the lot of first time buyers, as well as those facing repossessions.

It is estimated that half of all property transactions will now be exempt from stamp duty - up from one third when the threshold was £125,000. Coupled with the new loan system HomeBuy Direct*, introduced today for first time buyers, the hope is that potential homeowners will be encouraged back onto the housing ladder. For many this news will be the incentive required to take on the commitment of a new mortgage.

To make the process as stress and trouble free as possible Harman’s free** independent mortgage experts search the whole market to provide advice on the most appropriate mortgages to meet their clients’ personal requirements. Harman’s guarantees fast independent expertise delivered in a way that suits Federation members’ lifestyles, providing face-to-face advice at home, the office or over the telephone.

For more information or to arrange an appointment
Call: 01482 640 460

*Under the new loans system, HomeBuy Direct, households in England earning less than £60,000 will be offered free five year loans of up to 30% of a new property’s value for five years, co-funded by the state and developers. Once the five-year "free" period is up, homebuyers will be asked to pay a fee, details of which are yet to be provided.
**Although Harman’s advice is free clients may opt to pay a 1% valuation fee and have the lenders commission paid to them.

Harmans Aquired by R3 Group
29th March 2007

Harmans is delighted to announce the sale of the company to Stuart Harvey Insurance Brokers, a subsidiary of the R3: Group and specialist in financial services and planning for police officers and federations.

On announcing the sale Carolyn Harman, Managing Director of Harmans said, “Harmans specialise in delivering high quality independent financial advice to police officers - the experience and expertise of the R3: Group will allow us to grow and develop that proposition further which means more officers of more UK police forces will benefit from access to our services. The existing relationships already enjoyed by Stuart Harvey Insurance Brokers with police forces around the country will allow us to deliver a wider product range to customers of both companies.”

Robin Williams, Director of R3: Group commented, “The acquisition of Harmans reaffirms Stuart Harvey's commitment to the police market and continues the R3 growth strategy in the affinity sector. This is a natural partnership that will enable us to become more competitive, with the capacity and expertise to answer the specific demands of those serving in police forces across the UK .

Harman's will continue to operate from the Head Office in East Yorkshire with a field- based sales force in action throughout the regions.

Press Enquiries

Please direct any press queries to the postal or email address below;
we will be happy to address any questions that you may have.

Harmans Ltd
Meridian Office Park
Osborn Way
Hook
Hampshire
RG27 9HY

Tel: 01747 820077
Mobile: 07881 910026
Email: press@r3group.com