8 money changes happening in March 2025 including stamp duty deadline

From rising train fares, to an important stamp duty deadline that impacts anyone buying a home right now, we round up all the money changes that are happening in March.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her Spring Forecast next month and there are already rumours swirling about what the Treasury could be set to announce. There are also several key energy support schemes that are coming to an end for this winter, including Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments.

Meanwhile, the latest round of funding for the Household Support Fund scheme is due to expire. Plus, we've explained when the next Bank of England interest rates and inflation announcements are due to happen in March. Here is everything you need to know.

March 2 - Train fares rise

Train fares in England will increase by 4.6% on March 2, while most railcards will rise by £5. The increase will apply to regulated rail fares, such as season, anytime day, off-peak and super off-peak tickets. Unregulated fares - which include advance, anytime, off-peak day and first class fares - are set by train companies.

March 20 - Bank of England interest rates update

The Bank of England will make its next interest rates announcement on March 20. The base rate is currently at 4.5% after the Bank of England announced another cut during its last meeting in February. The base rate is what the Bank of England charges other banks and lenders - this then affects how much it costs you to borrow money.

March 26 – Spring Forecast

Rachel Reeves will deliver a Spring Forecast on March 26. The Treasury has previously said the Chancellor is “committed to one major fiscal event a year to give families and businesses stability and certainty on upcoming tax and spending changes” so it is unclear exactly what could be announced on the day.

There has been speculation that Reeves might extend the Tories' freeze on tax thresholds beyond 2028, while changes to cash ISAs have also been making headlines. We do know for sure that the Office of Budget Responsibility will still publish its latest outlook on the economy and public finances.

March 26 - Inflation update

The latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will be released on March 26. Inflation is a measure of how prices have changed over time. In the latest update from the ONS, inflation was revealed to have risen to 3% - its highest level in ten months. At its highest point, inflation reached 11.1% in October 2022.

March 31 - Household Support Fund ends

The Household Support Fund will come to an end on March 31. The Household Support Fund is a scheme that allows local councils to award specific help to residents who are behind on bills, or on low incomes. The support is normally given in the form of cash grants that don't need to be paid back, or energy and supermarket vouchers.

March 31 - Winter Fuel Payment deadline

If you've yet to receive your Winter Fuel Payment, the deadline to submit your claim is March 31. Winter Fuel Payments are worth up to £300 and are available to those who are over state pension age, and who are in receipt of certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit.

Most people normally receive this payment automatically in November or December - but some people would need to submit a claim if they’re eligible and living abroad. You can still be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you live abroad but you have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK.

March 31 - Cold Weather Payment scheme ends

The Cold Weather Payment scheme will end on March 31. You get a payment worth £25 every time the average temperature where you live hits zero degrees or below over seven consecutive days, with the money awarded to people on low incomes who receive certain benefits.

March 31 - Last day for stamp duty relief

The stamp duty holiday is due to end on March 31 - this is the final day where you can complete your property purchase before stamp duty rates return to normal. In England and Northern Ireland, you currently have to pay stamp duty if your property is your only residence and is worth over £250,000.

This higher rate was introduced in September 2022 - but it will go back down to its previous level of £125,000 from April. If you're a first-time buyer, you currently only start to pay stamp duty if the property you're buying is worth over £425,000 - but this will go back down to £300,000.