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.
What to read next
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
Agency bosses praise ‘perfectly timed’ Stamp Duty holiday
"The stamp duty holiday was perfectly timed to enable more people to improve their set up by moving," says Marsh & Parsons.
By PrimeResi
Most read
UK Sotheby’s lays claim to 88% of PCL’s £15mn-plus market
Luxury brokerage reports Q3 sales stats - including some eye-catching claims about its dominance at the top of the market.
Budget 2026: The prime resi industry’s hopes, fears & expectations
Special Feature: PrimeResi surveyed leading estate agents, buying agents, developers & advisors to gauge the luxury property sector's feelings & forecasts about this week's big fiscal event.
By PrimeResi
New figures reveal £541mn Stamp Duty slump after Reeves Budget
Knight Frank has been crunching the numbers ahead of John Healey's big speech, revealing a sizeable drop in high-end sales and the Treasury's tax take.
Social Circuit: Marcus Cooper Group & Valouran launch boutique St John’s Wood scheme
In Pictures: Property crowd gathers to toast the conversion of a landmark former chapel into five luxury apartments.
Savills brings in Aston Chase veteran Rosenblatt
Firm bolsters St John's Wood team with one of NW London's best-known operators.
Shackleton’s Kensington base lists at £20mn after owner’s ‘extraordinary journey’
Vendor navigated RBKC’s notoriously tough planning system to turn the explorer’s former family home into an art-filled ‘masterpiece’.
The casualties of indecision: Louisa Brodie on when an asking price isn’t really an asking price
Banda's Head of Private Clients shares her take on 'an increasingly frustrating aspect' of the prime & super-prime rental market.
Sotheby’s International Realty names new global boss
US brokerage veteran Mark McLaughlin takes the reins as Philip White moves into Executive Chairman role.
Behind the Schemes: Fine art meets architecture in Little Venice townhouse revival
In Pictures: SHH Architecture & Interiors brings a six-storey canal-side home back to life after a decade standing empty, unveiling the results during Frieze Week.
Rock legend’s former recording studio pitched as riverside development opp
The Who guitarist's old Thames-side haunt is up for grabs at £3.5mn, with plans for three luxury homes.
LATEST ARTICLES
Government confirms 100% ‘mansion tax’ premium for empty homes
Latest Measures & Industry Reactions: More details of the incoming High Value Council Tax Surcharge bills have been revealed, with first bills due to arrive in March 2028.
By PrimeResi
Talking Heads: Prime resi industry insiders respond to the Budget 2026
There's a blend of relief and frustration in the prime property industry's responses to today's Budget.
Budget 2026: Healey keeps hands off housing
But landlords face yet another tax hike.
By PrimeResi
Buyer lands rare Georgian mansion in Fulham
The former home of Jemima Khan didn't hang around on the market for long.
Agents instructed on Beatles’ Knightsbridge HQ
Mixed-use freehold on prestigious garden square comes with scope for a full resi conversion - plus nearly 30 years of Fab Four history.