Key money dates for March 2025

The third month of the year is almost here (already) and there’s plenty of dates that could have an impact on your wallet.  

Here’s what’s coming up, so you can plan ahead: 

March – Free Wills Month 

March means Free Wills Month. If you’re aged 55 or over, it’s your chance to get a will written or updated for free.  

Hundreds of solicitors and charities across the UK take part, so don’t miss out. 

2 March – rail fare rise   

On 2 March, train fares that are controlled by the government will go up by 4.6%.  

The annual increase is normally linked to the previous July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation.  

But this year’s bump is a little bigger than usual, a full percentage point above July's RPI in fact.  

In London, rail and tube fares will rise by an average 4.6% too.  

Additionally, the price of most rail cards will go up by £5.  

But good news if you travel by bus or tram in the capital, as they’ll be frozen.  

20 March – MPC meeting  

On 20 March, the next Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting will take place.  

They’ll be discussing interest rates, inflation and economic stability.  

The outcome could mean changes to how much you’re paying on loans or receiving on savings.  

26 March – spring forecast  

On 26 March, the government will announce its ‘spring forecast,’ including updates from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and a statement from the chancellor Rachel Reeves.  

The chancellor has said she’ll hold just one big budget event each year, so this is likely to be more of an update than a major event. 

That said, there could still be announcements that affect your finances, so stay tuned.  

31 March – household support fund ends 

The household support fund, which helps vulnerable households cover the costs of essentials like food and energy, will end on 31 March 2025.   

The fund is provided through local councils and has been extended five times since it was introduced in 2021.   

Check with your council to see if you can get support before it ends.  

31 March – temporary stamp duty holiday ends  

The temporary relief on stamp duty (the tax you pay when you buy a property) that was introduced in September 2022 will end.  

As of 1 April, you’ll pay stamp duty on home purchases over £125,000 (instead of £250,000). If you’re a first-time buyer, your threshold will drop from £425,000 to £300,000.  

To help you plan ahead and avoid any nasty surprises, check out the key money dates for the whole of 2025.