Help For First Time Buyers In The Budget

Help For First Time Buyers In The Budget

Date Published 30 October 2018

Philip Hammond made a much-expected move to help first-time buyers after announcing that he would abolish stamp duty for those buying homes worth less than £500,000 via a shared ownership scheme, although it is expected to only cost the government £5 million.

Effective from today onwards, it will also be backdated to November 2017.

HOUSING FUND

The Chancellor also revealed that the government will provide a further £500m for its housing infrastructure fund, which will unlock 650,000 homes. Other measures announced today include a new Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme to run from 2021 until 2023 but only for first time buyers, and a consultation on a 1% extra Stamp Duty charge for non-residents buying homes in the UK.

'Whilst we are still opposed to the notion, we are pleased to see the government climb down from their original 3% stamp duty levy on international buyers to 1%,' says Guy Bradshaw, Director of Central London Sales and Lettings at UK Sotheby's International Realty (left).

'We have a number of international clients who are anxiously waiting to hear more news on this tax, which we believe will do nothing to increase our attractiveness abroad or aid transactions locally,'

The government is also to continue its attack on landlords, who will soon have the amount of capital gains tax Lettings Relief given to them for renting out their properties reduced. Only those who share their home with a tenant will not face a reduced relief when they sell.

David Smith 'With the demand for private rented housing rising whilst supply is shrinking, we needed pro-growth taxation measures to ensure that tenants have an adequate supply of housing to choose from,' says David Smith, Policy Director for the Residential Landlords Association.

HOLIDAY LETS

Hammond also addressed the short-lets industry, announcing a consultation on how Airbnb properties should be treated by HMRC; as commercial entities that should pay business rates or private homes that pay council tax.

The Chancellor also revealed a plan to bolster high streets with a £650 million fund and a one-third cut in business rates for shops with a rateable value under £51,000, which may be applicable to a small number of sales and lettings agents.

One expected announcement was not made – to offer landlords the opportunity to sell their homes without paying capital gains tax if they offer the property to a sitting tenant. It was also expected that Hammond would support a campaign to improve tenant creditworthiness and their access to affordable home loans promoted by fellow Conservative MP Justine Greening, but this failed to materialise.

INDUSTRY RESPONSES

Kevin Roberts, Director, Legal & General Mortgage Club *says: 'The Government clearly recognises the benefits of Shared Ownership as a genuine option for individuals, couples and families who want to become homeowners.

'Hopefully, this exemption will now bring about even more awareness of the scheme and make it as widely recognised as other high-profile tenures such as Help to Buy.'

David Westgate, Group Chief Executive at Andrews Property Group, says: 'News that Stamp Duty would be abolished for all first-time buyers of shared ownership properties up to £500k should be welcomed. I've made no secret of my views on how punitive Stamp Duty charges have exacerbated an already sluggish market and any move that will lessen the impact felt by purchasers is good news.

'It doesn't, however, go far enough and I maintain the view that a complete and thorough review of Stamp Duty is required. Such a review would result in radical change and whilst that might mean lower individual receipts in to the Exchequer, the impact it would have on overall volumes would at least cancel that out.'

To find out about local shared ownership schemes, or to talk over your options with any investment property you currently own or plan to buy now is the time to contact Novahomes and get some great advice. 01752 206040