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
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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
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.
Mayfair specialist joins Harding Green in Hertfordshire
Kitty Halley previously worked at Wetherell and Savills.
By PrimeResi
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
In Pictures: ‘Gallery-worthy’ Chelsea Arts & Crafts house seeks £12.5mn
On the market for £12.5mn, the home on Chelsea Park Gardens 'has the potential to fetch £25,000 per week on a short let,' says Dexters.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
In Pictures: Inside Echlin’s country house debut in the Cotswolds
Boutique design firm shows off its first interiors project outside of London - delivering 'subtle luxury' for a Singaporean family in Oxfordshire.
By PrimeResi
‘Fierce competition’ in SW London sees renters bid above asking
'75% of family houses were let at the asking price or above on the first viewing' in July, reports Savills.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Four Seasons to launch standalone resi project in Abu Dhabi
Collaboration with asset manager Alain on Saadiyat Island is promising to 'redefine luxury living in the UAE.'