Pretty Vacant: Why Tessa Jowell’s plan to tax empty homes is doomed to fail

Should we be applying punitive taxes to empty homes?
Rather than complaining and propagating the confiscation of empty homes, commentators should be applying their energies to making the planning process efficient, less political and more productive, says…
By Prime Resi
Treasury targets holiday let tax dodgers
The Treasury is launching a new campaign to chase up landlords - including those with holiday lets - who don't pay every penny of tax due on rents they receive.
HMRC estimates that up to 1.
By Prime Resi
Additional homes surcharge delivers £1,190m SDLT ‘windfall’
Number of levy-liable properties rises despite the additional 3% tax
By Prime Resi
Most read
£15mn Clarges Mayfair apartment sparks global bidding war
The trophy residence overlooking Green Park sold sight unseen for ‘well above’ asking.
Boutique private office appoints Beauchamp’s Finch to lead property division
Paul Finch has joined Liberty Rock after nearly 20 years with super-prime agency Beauchamp Estates.
By PrimeResi
In Memoriam: London estate agency legend Tim Maskell, 1938-2025
'Tim’s legacy in the property market continues,' says Maskells' MD.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: B&B Italia Group’s Maxalto designs ‘iconic’ Whiteley Clock Tower apartment
Clocking in at £24mn, The Whiteley's latest 'Designer Collection' apartment marks a European first for the 50-year-old interiors brand.
By PrimeResi
Seismic Shifts, 2000-2025: The global events that moved the needle on London’s prime property market
Cathy Hawker explores how the fluctuating fortunes of Prime Central London can be tied to major international economic events of the past 25 years.
By Cathy Hawker
Prime London 25: Introducing a PrimeResi Special Report
The evolution of London's luxury property market, 2000-2025: Our 75-page report charts a truly transformative period for both the property market & the prime residential industry.
By PrimeResi
Knight Frank announces new Henley office head
Nick Warner will hand the reins to Matt Davies next month.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Inside a Fontanella-designed ultra-prime mansion in Knightsbridge
Luxury developer Caudwell collaborates with top-end designer on £58mn Fonteyn House project, opposite the V&A.
Westminster confirms launch date for new rental licensing scheme
Thousands of landlords across PCL will need to obtain licenses under the new rules.
Savills flags ‘historic value’ across prime London & regional markets
Some wealthy buyers 'seize opportunity' as property prices fall.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Savills swoops on central London heritage planning consultancy
Real estate giant bolsters heritage-led planning and design capabilities with Citydesigner acquisition.
By PrimeResi
Ranked: The world’s most valuable housing markets in 2025
Global property values have fallen in US dollar terms, despite most markets seeing growth when measured in local currencies.
By PrimeResi
Grand Registry: Surveying last month’s biggest registered deals
A standout villa in Notting Hill topped the latest tranche of super-prime sales lodged with the Land Registry.
Industry Reactions: Mortgage lending bounces back from April’s slump
Fresh Bank of England data on mortgage approvals show increased activity in May - but 'are broadly consistent with a property market treading water,' comments Simon Gammon of Knight Frank Finance.
By PrimeResi
UK housing market faces a smoother ride in second half of 2025 – Knight Frank
As tariff turbulence appears to have peaked and the stamp duty disruption fades, the main risk over the next six months is the autumn Budget, explains the agency's UK resi research boss Tom Bill.
By Tom Bill