According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
There has also been talk about introducing a local property tax to replace council tax. However, this isn’t something that would be implemented for a while, and may happen if Labour wins the next election.
The stamp duty rules changing in April 2025 gained criticism for lowering the thresholds meaning some buyers, especially first time buyers, would have costs that they wouldn’t have incurred previously.
“Property tax would be paid by owner-occupiers on houses worth over £500,000 when selling up.”
The new proposed tax would be charged when those who own and live in their home (owner-occupied homes) sell their property worth more than £500,000. The amount charged will be calculated by the value of the property, with the rate being determined by the central government which would be collected via HM Revenue and Customs.
Stamp duty on second homes would remain the same. The property tax would only be applicable on owner-occupied homes.
According to Nationwide Building Society’s latest House Price Index, house prices dropped 0.6% month on month in May – the first monthly decline this year.
4 days ago
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.
13 days ago
Research from Lloyds identifies the most affordable areas in the UK for first-time buyers to be able to get onto the property ladder.
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.
From 18th May 2026, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group) is launching a ‘£5k Deposit mortgage’ to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder sooner.
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.
28 Apr 2026
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.
28 Apr 2026
Mortgage lenders are starting to recognise their “Green” responsibilities when it comes to the different products they offer.