Home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise
Published On Mar 5, 2025, 7:02 PM
Home buyers in England and Northern Ireland are rushing to finalize their purchases before the end of March, as new stamp duty thresholds are set to revert to previous levels on April 1st. This change will significantly increase costs for many first-time buyers, who could face thousands of pounds in additional taxes. The current exemption for homes under £250,000 will end, affecting numerous buyers already in the process of purchasing homes. Real estate agents note that many clients are stressed and some have already withdrawn from deals due to the looming deadline. The government asserts that it aims to support home ownership despite these new tax changes.
Stock Forecasts
ITB
Negative
With an increase in stamp duty affecting many first-time buyers, there may be a short-term downturn in home sales as buyers scramble to act before the deadline. This could mean reduced demand for housing stocks and related financial companies. However, longer-term impacts could stabilize if government plans to increase housing supply materialize. Investors should watch housing-related stocks closely, as they might react negatively to the immediate consequences of the tax change.
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