From 1 April 2016 people purchasing additional properties such as buy to let properties and second homes will pay an extra 3% in stamp duty.

This means that tax bill on a buy-to-let property costing £250,000 will jump from £2,500 to £8,800.

This is the second major blow to buy-to-let investors this year, after the summer Budget in July reduced landlords’ ability to offset mortgage interest costs against rental income. That change will be phased in between 2017 and 2020 and is will dramatically reduce the yields available on investment properties and may even make some existing buy-to-lets unprofitable.

This may of course trigger a wave of landlords looking to offload their properties, which may in turn make more first time buyer properties available. Any increase in property supply stops prices from soaring.

Recent posts

Kings Speech   Web Larger

On Wednesday, 13th May, King Charles delivered his speech at the House of Lords, outlining the government’s plans for the upcoming year.

Here is a summary of the housing and energy/environment points. 

Lloyds 5k   Web Larger

From 18th May 2026, Lloyds Banking Group is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.

Trumpflation   Web Larger

Homeowners could be faced with paying over £3,000 more per year on their mortgage if the conflict in the Middle East continues, following new analysis from INTEREST from Moneyfacts.

Deals of week web larger

Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.

Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.

Renters' Rights Act

19 days ago

Renters Rights Act   Web Larger

The Renter’s Rights Bill became law at the end of October, which means it has been signed off by the King, and it is now the Renters’ Rights Act. Despite this becoming law, these changes are likely to start changing within the next six months, with the aim of being fully implemented throughout 2026 and into 2027.

 

Green mortgages web larger

Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer. 

Costliest Streets   Web Larger

Recent data from Rightmove shows the most expensive streets in Great Britain, with the majority being situated in the capital.

BoE Building   Web Larger

The Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, has advised that, due to the “very big energy shock” the economy is facing, they won’t be in a rush to increase UK interest rates.