Why the Covid stamp duty holiday reveals big problems in the housing market
HM Treasury "misjudged" the property market when it introduced the Stamp Duty holiday last year, writes Michael Ball, Professor of Urban and Property Economics at the University of Reading's Henley Business School. "What must have looked superficially to be a wizard policy idea – stimulating the housing market and gaining political bouquets from happy buyers at the same time – has rebounded badly."
Written by
Michael Ball
Professor of Urban and Property Economics, University of Reading at
University of Reading
The Journal of Luxury Property. Required reading for prime property professionals.
‘Costly & unnecessary’ Stamp Duty holiday ‘not the main cause of house price boom’ – Resolution Foundation
"Stronger forces" than the temporary tax break have been at play in the housing market over the last year, says an influential think tank - which argues that the UK's Stamp Duty holidays have been "problematic…
‘End stamp duty to rebalance the housing market’ – RICS
20% of surveyors believe replacing Stamp Duty with a modernised Council Tax would benefit the property market and wider economy
By PrimeResi
Stamp Duty holiday deadline is ‘not a dealbreaker for most buyers’, as vaccine set to boost the property market next year
The Stamp Duty holiday "is not a dealbreaker for most buyers (especially at the top end)", says Savills, after surveying 1,300 prime property buyers and sellers.
Most read
Knight Frank names new Senior Partner & Group Chair
Rory Penn is to succeed William Beardmore-Gray at the helm of the global property consultancy in April 2027.
Bentry lines up super-prime play in Hampstead after pre-Budget swoop
Investor-developer sees off strong competition to secure landmark Edwardian mansion for £16.4mn; plans to deliver around 50 top-end apartments as part of grand 'Sandringham-style' residence.
Lomond recruits Druce & Foxtons alumnus as new COO
Neil McGimpsey succeeds Lucy Jones, who is stepping down after a five-year stint.
London house prices to flatline until 2028 as prime markets ‘remain subdued’
Leading estate agency forecasts a property market 'power shift' as the capital's recovery is 'delayed' & regions significantly outperform.
By PrimeResi
Strutt & Parker brings in Madison for PCL expansion drive
Heritage estate agency recruits top-end operator - the latest in a run of high-profile hires - to extend prime market coverage as part of 'ambitious' growth strategy.
Rare Bayswater development opp sells for £21mn
Former office building came with consent for a 17-unit apartment scheme designed by Ross Alexander Lambie Architects.
High-value sales jump as Budget clarity brings ‘short-term relief’ in Prime London
£5mn-plus exchange volumes were 21% above the five-year norm last month, although PCL prices recorded their steepest annual fall since 2021.
Expert Panel: Prime Central London has hit a ‘critical inflection point’
Property & HNW industry leaders unpack the volatility, policy churn & changing buyer geography defining a new era for ultra-prime London.
Barnes joins UK Sotheby’s International Realty as Senior Director
Well-known dealmaker Simon Barnes has signed to George Azar & Alex Isidro's team in PCL.
By PrimeResi
Government confirms ‘developing approach’ to mansion tax valuations
Exchequer Secretary hints at how £2mn+ homes will be revalued for the new High Value Council Tax Surcharge.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Mapped: How second-home Council Tax premiums are ‘warping’ the property market
TwentyCi analyses the impact of higher taxes on holiday homes in local property markets across the UK, noting strong public support despite 'unintended consequences' in some areas.
By PrimeResi
Building Legacies: Michael Houlding of Boldfort on delivering London’s top-end homes
Interview: MD of longstanding family-run contractor reveals what it really takes to create dream residences for UHNW clients, from Belgravia to Notting Hill.
Treasury’s reliance on top-end property market exposed in new SDLT figures
Government's latest tax tinkering could be a risky move, warns Savills, given £2mn-plus deals contribute 42% of the total resi SDLT take for London.
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
Accor to roll out Raffles-branded residences in Bali
28-unit scheme will be a 'showcase' for the hospitality giant’s next wave of branded projects.