CAMPAIGN LEADS TO EXTENDED STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY

News at Ware & Co | 03/03/2021


Propertymark’s successful campaigning

Extending the stamp duty holiday was vital to prevent transactions from falling through, price falls, and a sudden loss of momentum in the market. By moving the deadline by three months and following this with a transitional rate, our call for a tapered end to the tax relief has been successful.

Since the introduction of the property tax cut, the housing market has boomed. Propertymark’s Housing Market Report for January saw a big rise in prospective buyers, sales and record transactions. Furthermore, research by Propertymark laid bare the impact on business, with estate agents losing £4,000 for every failed sale.

The UK Government also listened to our calls for more support for first-time buyers, such as a new mortgage guarantee scheme, which will encourage lenders to offer 95 per cent mortgages. This will help first-time buyers tackle the issue of deposits, which is often the first hurdle that prevents them from getting on the housing ladder.

Business rates relief

The Chancellor announced a continuation of business rates relief. Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will continue to receive 100 per cent relief until 30 June 2021, this will then be discounted by two-thirds for the rest of 2021.

Corporation tax increase

Corporation Tax will increase from 19 per cent to 25 per cent from April 2023 but companies with profits under £50,000 will remain at 19 per cent.

Apprenticeships support

Currently, employers receive a bonus of £2,000 for apprentices hired between the ages of 16-24 and £1,500 for apprentices aged 25 and over. This has now been extended and will be increased to £3,000 for any apprentice hired between 1 April and 30 September, regardless of age.

This is on top of the £1,000 payment already provided for new apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, meaning that some employers could receive £4,000 in total.

Extension of the furlough scheme

The UK Government will extend the job support scheme until the end of September, with employees continuing to receive up to 80 per cent of their wages. Businesses that remain open will be asked to contribute 10 per cent from July and 20 per cent in August and September.