Stamp duty could be replaced with an annual property tax on homes over £500,000, shifting the cost from buyers to sellers. First-time buyers might benefit from lower upfront costs, but sellers could push up asking prices, and downsizers may lose out. Nothing is confirmed yet, but changes could reshape affordability and borrowing power. The key is to plan with today’s rules while staying prepared for tomorrow and that’s where Mortgage Brokers Near Me can guide you.
Aug 26, 2025
The Chancellor has not even delivered the Autumn Budget yet, but the rumours are flying: stamp duty could be scrapped and replaced with an annual property tax.
Sounds neat in theory. Until you realise it is like swapping a one-off punch in the gut for a monthly kick in the shins.
So what does this actually mean if you are thinking about buying or selling a home? Let’s break it down.
YES. Lenders already stress-test your income against mortgage repayments, council tax, utilities and Netflix. Add a new annual property tax into the mix and poof your borrowing power shrinks faster than a forgotten avocado in the fridge.
“When the goalposts move, the keeper moves too, our job is to keep you in the game, no matter how the rules change.” – Will Sharman
YES. If people are already stretched just to cover mortgages, bills, and the rising price of Freddos, then layering on another housing-related tax risks pushing “just about affordable” into “absolutely not happening.
NO. Brits will still chase the dream of owning bricks and mortar it’s in our DNA. But the path to get there might be even muddier.
Remember the stamp duty holiday? Buyers thought they’d save thousands. Sellers thought: “Thank you very much,” and simply nudged up their asking prices.
The result? Most people didn’t save on stamp duty they just paid more for the house.
Could the same thing happen if annual property tax replaces stamp duty? Maybe. If moving suddenly costs less upfront, demand could rise, and sellers could adapt (again) by hiking prices. Because if there’s one thing the housing market loves, it’s irony.
Here’s the truth: it’s still all hearsay. None of this is set in stone yet. But if there’s one thing we know at MBNM, it’s this:
When the goalposts move, the keeper moves too.
We’re not just here for the excitement of your first set of keys we’re also here for the curveballs the government and the market throw at you.
Think of us less like a broker and more like your corner man in a 12-round fight against estate agents, lenders, and now… possibly the Treasury.
The Autumn Budget could reshape how we buy and own homes in the UK. It could shift affordability, warp borrowing, and alter the property ladder.
But will it kill homeownership? Absolutely not.
At MBNM, our job is to stay on top of these changes, filter the noise, and work out a plan that keeps you in the game no matter how many times the rules are rewritten.
Need clarity on stamp duty? Use our Stamp Duty Calculator or speak to us directly for expert advice.
“Scrapping stamp duty might sound like a one-off punch in the gut replaced with a monthly kick in the shins.” – Will Sharman
How much is stamp duty?
It depends on the property price and whether you are a first-time buyer, mover, or investor. Use our free Stamp Duty Calculator to find out.
What is stamp duty?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax paid when you buy property or land over a certain value in England and Northern Ireland.
Who pays stamp duty?
The buyer pays stamp duty, not the seller.
Do you pay stamp duty when you sell a house?
No. It is the buyer who pays stamp duty at the time of purchase.
Can you add stamp duty to a mortgage?
Not directly. Most buyers pay from savings. Some increase their mortgage borrowing to cover it, if the lender agrees.
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
First Time Buyers don't pay Stamp Duty on properties worth up to £300,000. They pay 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. This means First Time Buyers who buy a property worth up to £500,000 will pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 and only pay 5% on the remaining amount.
When do you pay stamp duty?
Within 14 days of completing your purchase. Your solicitor usually handles the payment.
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