Rishi Sunak’s stamp duty cut is not about helping first-time buyers, but shoring up the whole UK economy
"Property prices are critical to UK prosperity," writes Professor Alexander Tziamalis. "Britain should arguably wean itself off its property addiction, but for now the chancellor has tried to sustain confidence in an asset class that accounts for most of the country’s wealth."

Written by
Alexander Tziamalis
Senior Lecturer in Economics (Associate Professor), Sheffield Hallam University at
PrimeResi
PrimeResi is the Journal of Luxury Property. The leading news, opinion & insight resource for the UK's prime residential property industry.
1.3 million buyers have benefitted from the the Stamp Duty holiday
"We haven’t yet seen any significant increase in properties falling through so it looks like most are going ahead regardless," says Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data.
By PrimeResi
May takes aim at foreign property buyers with 3% additional stamp duty levy
"It cannot be right that it is as easy for individuals who don’t live in the UK, as well as foreign based companies, to buy homes as hard working British residents" says the Prime Minister
By PrimeResi
Chinese demand for UK property bounces back as Stamp Duty pushes buyers to act now
"Anyone who can bring their transaction forward to 2020 from next year or even later is doing so," says property portal Juwai, against fears of higher Stamp Duty rates from 2021.
By PrimeResi
Most read
Caudwell brings in Dorchester Collection to manage 1 Mayfair
New agreement 'brings together Mayfair’s two most prestigious luxury destinations,' declares ultra-prime property developer.
By PrimeResi
Agency reports rapid-fire £70mn sales run in Notting Hill
After a subdued start to the year, domestic buyers have sprung into action in W11, says Strutt & Parker's local team.
Interview: Inside the prime country house market with Knight Frank’s Oliver Rodbourne & Peter Edwards
As new wealth reshapes demand in high-end property markets from the Cotswolds to the Channel Islands, Knight Frank’s prime country experts reveal what’s changed - and what hasn’t.
Top-end buyers hit pause as Budget fears stall £5mn+ deals
Transactions at the upper end of the Prime London market were down by over 40% last month, reports LonRes, as the start of the autumn selling season falls flat.
Savills installs new Wimbledon chief
Stewart Harrison was previously Head of Sales for John D Wood in Wandsworth.
By PrimeResi
Tom Adams: On making unmodernised properties desirable again
Just as buying agents transformed a once vendor-biased marketplace, the prime property industry must now close the knowledge gap around renovation projects, argues RedBook's CEO.
By Tom Adams
Boutique agency mixes fashion & property at Belgravia open house
A top-end handbag collection was on show at a £10mn listing on Pont Street last week.
Knight Frank teams up with luxury Milan agency
Global property firm strengthens its position in Italy amid growing demand from HNWIs attracted by the flat tax regime and lifestyle appeal.
In Pictures: ‘Breathtaking’ modern Essex country mansion pitched at £9.9mn
Stokes Hall was completed in 2014, featuring 'world class' interior specs.
By PrimeResi
London’s resi planning rules ‘set to be eased under emergency provisions’
Mayor Sadiq Khan & Housing Minister Steve Reed are said to be discussing a temporary relaxation of regulations in the capital.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Fine & Country expands into Holland Park
Ben Madden's West London team has taken on the estate agency brand's licence for the affluent area.
By PrimeResi
‘The opportunity was clear’: Behind Maybourne’s expansion into branded residences
COO reveals how the Claridge's operator plans to integrate luxury hotels, homes, and wellness into a highly personalised 'ecosystem'.
Industry Reactions: Annual house price growth slipped back in August
Many pundits expect the market to slow further as the Autumn Budget approaches.
By PrimeResi
Prime rental markets hold firm as regulatory changes loom
PCL values post largest quarterly uptick since September 2023; landlords expected to stay cautious as Renters’ Rights Bill nears enactment.
FCA takes over AML supervision
The move will 'ensure more consistent oversight' - including more collaboration with law enforcement.
By PrimeResi