At its heart, the campaign reflects our own belief that Stamp Duty is no longer fit for purpose and may, in fact, be holding the market back.
The newly launched campaign is simple in its aim; to apply pressure on the current government to remove Stamp Duty for those purchasing their primary home. The Conservatives state that the petition “will be presented to the Labour Party before the Autumn recess 2026.”
You can view and sign the petition here: Scrap Stamp Duty Petition
Stamp Duty has long been criticised within the property industry, and this latest campaign builds on several well-established concerns.
1. It can restrict movement in the housing market The cost of Stamp Duty sometimes discourages people from moving, creating a “lock-in” effect.
2. It effects affordability and aspiration For buyers already managing home move costs, Stamp Duty can represent an added cost that creates an unnecessary obstacle.
3. It can delay overall market activity When it reduces the number of property transactions, the tax has a domino-effect on the wider economy, from home improvements to associated services.
The proposal centres on abolishing Stamp Duty for main residences only, rather than removing it entirely, with the focus firmly on supporting owner-occupiers and improving mobility.
It would not apply to second homes or buy-to-let properties
This is not a new idea, but the petition signals a renewed and more public push to bring the debate to the forefront ahead of future policy decisions.
Of course, Stamp Duty remains a significant source of Government revenue, generating over £10 billion annually in recent figures. This means any proposal to abolish it raises political questions around how the shortfall would be funded and whether alternative property taxes would be introduced.
From a market standpoint, there is little doubt that Stamp Duty influences behaviour. We regularly see clients weighing up whether to move based on the cost of doing so. Reducing or removing that barrier could:
However, as with any policy change, the detail would be critical.
If you’re searching for your next home, take a look at the properties available on our website, here. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving in one of our areas, feel free to book an expert flat, maisonette or house valuation here, or get in touch with your local branch.
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