Is it time to view stamp duty from an economic rather than a political perspective?
If a stamp duty holiday is designed to help kick-start the economy, is that not a tacit acceptance of its flaws as a tax, asks Tom Bill...
Tom Bill is Head of UK Residential Research, producing reports that include Knight Frank’s flagship Prime Central London indices, the Super Prime London Insight and the London Residential Review. He has written detailed reports on London sub-markets and contributes to The Wealth Report and Global Cities report. Tom, a former Bloomberg and Reuters property journalist, is a regular media contributor on the London property market and has presented at events in Europe and the Middle East.
What to read next
Former Housing Minister Mark Prisk on political football, Stamp Duty & the Chancellor’s challenge
Interview: Government should tackle the issue of stamp duty for "last-time movers", former Housing Minister Mark Prisk tells Knight Frank's Tom Bill.
By Tom Bill
The case for extending and tapering the stamp duty holiday
With property taxes back in focus after last week’s government spending review, Tom Bill take a closer look at what that may mean for stamp duty and capital gains tax...
By Tom Bill
Property exchanges were up 57% in January – will the stamp duty holiday be extended?
As MPs prepare to debate a petition to extend the stamp duty holiday by six months, it’s worth keeping an eye on two pieces of data that will play a crucial role in the eventual decision, says Tom Bill...
By Tom Bill
Companies in this article
Knight BuildMost read
Luxury brokerage declares £1.3bn in H1 sales
Overseas buyers accounted for 52% of the UK agency's deals, while new instructions topped £2.3bn.
Cluttons appoints top market analyst to lead resi business
Well-known research chief and former journalist steps up to lead major agency's residential division.
Art Deco gem in Notting Hill sells in off-market deal
'Landmark' £16mn residence was once owned by legendary soul singer Dusty Springfield.
Financial Times: Is Rightmove taking us for a ride?
Influential journalist Jonathan Guthrie investigates the property portal's dominance, fees & standing in the industry.
By PrimeResi
Deals & Data: London’s £15mn+ market rebounds in blockbuster first half
Record-breaking sales, resurgent international demand and a surprise winner among the capital's super-prime neighbourhoods - but buyers are still calling the shots.
Lucian Cook: Tax speculation returns but all of the complexities remain
Despite much chatter, 'the matter of whether [Andy Burnham] would pursue a substantial overhaul of property taxation remains one of conjecture,' counsels the Savills research chief.
By Lucian Cook
Major agency reports ‘more uneven’ trading as uncertainty weighs on confidence
Winkworth says H1 sales remained resilient while lettings were largely unaffected by the Renters' Rights Act.
By PrimeResi
Rare St George’s Hill plot goes for record sum
Agents seal off-market deal for unconsented site after three-year pursuit.
Prime London Property Market Snapshot: Week 28, 2026
Fresh LonRes data indicates another week of relatively slow sales activity.
By PrimeResi
First Look: Ballymore unveils Bryan O’Sullivan Studio interiors at The Capston
Developer debuts sales gallery and show apartment at Embassy Gardens' 'final chapter'.
LATEST ARTICLES
Property Vision appoints Sandy Mitchell as Non-Exec
Top-flight buying agency adds well-known prime resi name to its panel of business advisors.
By PrimeResi
Knight Frank signs new Mallorca agency partnership
Balearic agency boss heralds 'a full-circle moment'.
By PrimeResi
Deals & Data: London’s £15mn+ market rebounds in blockbuster first half
Record-breaking sales, resurgent international demand and a surprise winner among the capital's super-prime neighbourhoods - but buyers are still calling the shots.
Has Hamilton Terrace become NW London’s hottest address?
The St John's Wood street has notched up almost £100mn of house sales in the past 12 months.
Winkworth installs franchise ops lead
New recruit will work across the firm's 100-plus franchise network.