Saturday, December 14, 2024
UK

Sunak to maintain FTB Stamp Duty exemption

stamp duty

The first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption was raised from £300,000 to £425,000 at the 2022 mini Budget but was set to be reversed at the end of March 2025

The Conservatives appear to have abandoned plans to reverse Stamp Duty thresholds for first-time buyers (FTBs) if the party returns to power after the General Election.

The first-time buyer Stamp Duty exemption was raised from £300,000 to £425,000 at the 2022 mini Budget but was set to be reversed at the end of March 2025.

But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has now said the threshold will remain, as per reports.

This has put the Tories at odds with Labour after Shawdow Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to match the policy.

Commenting on the reports, Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said:  Our analysis of what first-time buyers are looking to buy on Zoopla shows eight in 10 would pay no Stamp Duty if the current measures were made permanent.

He added: The greatest beneficiaries are those looking to buy across southern England where up to half of first-time buyers are looking to buy homes priced between £250,000 and £425,000.

Zoopla’s research revealed that 7% of first-time buyers would still pay full Stamp Duty, most of whom are looking in London and 15% would pay partial Stamp Duty.

A return to the old rules and price thresholds would have seen 30% paying the tax.

Donnell said: The primary challenge for first-time buyers remains the need to afford higher mortgage rates and pass mortgage affordability tests.

For many, this means injecting more equity into home purchases to lower the level of income needed to buy. This affects buyers across southern England where house prices are highest and average deposits are more than £60,000, he added.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of Invest for Property. The information provided on Invest for Property is intended for informational purposes only. Invest for Property is not liable for any financial losses incurred. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions.

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