The UK’s chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the Labour government’s autumn budget at the end of the month, we take a look at what could be announced in relation to housing.
Stamp Duty
The stamp duty rates announced in the mini-budget in September 2022 were to remain until 31st March 2025. Labour confirmed prior to the election that if it formed the next government the first time buyer stamp duty exemption threshold would go back to £300,000 – this was raised to £425,000 from September 2022.
Reeves has said that in the upcoming budget, there may be other changes to stamp duty.
Freedom to Buy
Labour’s housing policy is the Freedom to Buy scheme. They have pledged to help 80,000 people get onto the property ladder over the next five years by permanently extending the mortgage guarantee scheme, which is due to expire in June 2025.
Council Tax Adjustments
There have been suggestions that Labour could introduce a flat-rate council tax system based on the value of the property instead of the current banding system currently in place. This could mean more expensive bills for more expensive properties, but may benefit lower value homes.
The Autumn budget will take place on Wednesday 30th October.
Many households are still being affected by the high cost of living, with several people worrying about how they can make ends meet on a monthly-basis. Unfortunately, the cost of bills including, water, council tax, and energy are still rising. Here are some things you can do.
The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant milestone designed to enhance the rights and protections of tenants in the rental market. This comprehensive bill aims to foster a more balanced and fair rental sector, ensuring that tenants can enjoy greater security and equitable treatment. It is likely to become law in late 2025.
15 days ago
Owning a buy-to-let property in your sole name versus through a limited company each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
21 days ago
Data from Rightmove shows that Sunbury-on-Thames in Surrey was the number one house price hotspot in 2024. The prices in this area climbed an impressive 12.5% - increasing from an average price of £527,005 in 2023 to £592,926 in 2024.
24 days ago
On the 31st October 2024 stamp duty for those purchasing additional properties increased by 2% from 3% to 5%.
From 1st April 2025 the threshold will be reducing from £250,000 to £125,000
24 Jan 2025
Research from Metro shows that those who chose to move home didn’t actually move that far away. With a 430g pack of chicken costing on average almost double in London than the rest of the UK, it's no wonder some people are choosing a change of scenery to save a few pennies.
20 Jan 2025
Following recent changes in the Buy to Let market, some investors may find this product less appealing. However, if done correctly, building a buy to let portfolio can be very profitable.
7 Jan 2025
Helping you understand the upcoming changes in stamp duty (SDLT) from April 2025.