And Other Villains: Why stamp duty is only part of the problem for prime London
Non-Dom taxation, Brexit, tightened mortgage lending, blustering rhetoric... A realm of factors - in addition to high SDLT rates - are pushing "footloose capital" out of the prime London property market, says Charlie Ellingworth.

Charlie Ellingworth started acquisition firm Property Vision over thirty years ago. He is on the board of the Cadogan Estate and a trustee there, as well as a director of other smaller property companies. He writes novels, plays and regular articles for the FT and other magazines.
A delicate balancing act: Lucian Cook presents the case for Stamp Duty reform
There's been a lot of talk about Stamp Duty switches and tinkering in recent weeks - amped-up by some mixed-messaging from the Chancellor over the weekend.
By Lucian Cook
Cutting Stamp Duty ‘could boost transactions by 40% and tax revenues by £9.8bn’
According to buying agency Ludgrove's workings, a 36% reduction in Stamp Duty rates across the board would likely lead to 40% additional transactions in England per annum, in turn generating an extra £1.
How prime London’s property market is staging its latest comeback
Lucian Cook examines the historical and global factors that have defined the Prime Central London property market, the current conditions that are transforming the landscape, and what a post-Coronavirus…
By Lucian Cook
Companies in this article
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Big-brand super-prime brokerage names new MD; reveals bumper H1 results
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty says it racked up nearly £600mn in sales during the first half of 2025.
Interiors lead appointed at super-prime Pimlico scheme
'Landmark' One Bessborough Gardens project is transforming a former Government spy agency HQ overlooking the Thames.
London property market more split than it has been since Brexit – Knight Frank
Agency flags significant divergence in prices and deal volumes between PCL and POL amid ‘summer of speculation.'
From Manhattan to Mayfair via Miami: Where the world’s $30m+ set call home
New research charts the cities with the largest UHNW residential footprints, revealing shifting second-home trends and emerging luxury hotspots.
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
Rosewood elevates luxury resi ambitions with senior hire
'Residential business is our strategic development focus,' says CEO of global hospitality group, as top-end specialist joins to drive next growth chapter.
Irish developer Ronan ‘exploring a return to London’ following landmark Dublin deal
Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group - which once had grand plans for Battersea Power Station - is 'actively pursuing opportunities as it charts a course back into the UK market'.
By PrimeResi
Treasury eyes Autumn IHT & CGT hikes
Reports suggest the government 'is trying to work out how it can tap into the vast wave of wealth that will be transferred from baby boomers when they die.'
By PrimeResi
Luxury brokerage adds Chelsea, Knightsbridge & Belgravia specialist
Joe Mason has joined United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty as Sales Director.
The Times: How a British estate agent conquered New York
Katrina Burroughs meets 'the rising star of the Big Apple’s real estate scene' ahead of the new season of hit Netflix show Owning Manhattan, in this piece for The Times.
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Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
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‘Fierce competition’ in SW London sees renters bid above asking
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