Conservatives planning stamp duty cut for first-time buyers in manifesto

Politics

The Conservative Party will pledge to cut stamp duty for first-time buyers as part of its manifesto.

The levy is currently paid on property purchases worth more than £250,000 – with the rate ranging from 5% to 12% of the ticket price, increasing as the price rises.

For people purchasing their first home, stamp duty kicks in on properties worth £425,000 – although this offer is set to expire in March next year. The Tories want to make the £425,000 floor permanent for new buyers.

Election latest:
Farage public’s favourite to take over from Sunak – poll

The tax has previously been singled out as an area that Conservatives want to reduce.

The £425,000 floor for first-time buyers was introduced by Liz Truss, a rise from £300,000.

She also raised the starting line for stamp duty on all other property transactions from £125,000 to £250,000 – although this is also set to revert in March next year.

It has not been said how much the move would cost – although there are reports it would be as much as £1bn.

The Conservatives are hoping the tax pledge will benefit around 200,000 households every year.

Speaking in a BBC election debate, Conservative candidate Penny Mordaunt said: “The way to keep the recovery going is to give you more money in your pockets.

“That is why this election must be about us cutting your taxes.”

She added that the Tories “have already started doing that and you’ve already heard some announcements”.

“You’ll see more in our manifesto next week,” she added. “We have got to cut people’s taxes and we have got to alleviate burdens on business.”

Read more about the general election:
The MPs who are standing down
What happens now an election has been called?
Find your new constituency and how it’s changed
How boundary changes make Starmer’s job harder

BBC handout photo of deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner (left) and Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, taking part in the BBC Election Debate Picture date: Friday June 7, 2024. Pic: PA
Image:
Mordaunt (right) clashed with Labour’s Angela Rayner in a BBC debate on Friday

Writing earlier this week before the announcement, David Phillips, an associate director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, wrote that stamp duty “is one of the most economically damaging taxes levied by the government”.

He added that it is “significantly increasing the cost of moving and gumming up both the housing and labour market”.

“It should not be increased – rather it should be reduced or, ideally, abolished.”


Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

👉 Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Labour has previously announced its plans to make permanent the “freedom to buy” scheme.

This sees the government act as a guarantor for people seeking mortgages with a low deposit.

Sir Keir Starmer has also targeted planning reform as a way to build more homes and bring down house prices.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Gavin & Stacey – The Finale: Did Smithy say yes?
Protests break out as hooded fighters torch Christmas tree in Syria
Government borrowing in November hits three-year low
High street giants plot new warning to Treasury over retail jobs
US government avoids shutdown after funding bill clears Congress

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *