Scots Minister shows ‘blatant disregard’ for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

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Landlords in Scotland have been hit with a stamp duty rise as the government strives to raise additional revenue.

It announced legislation in the Budget statement to increase the rate of the Additional Dwelling Supplement from 4% to 6% for second home buyers and buy-to-let landlords, which also aims to protect opportunities for first-time buyers.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts that the changes – which take place immediately – will raise an extra £34 million in revenue in 2023-24.

The Scottish government blames Westminster for forcing it to make the decision. Deputy First Minister John Swinney told the Parliament: “The calamitous choices made by successive UK governments have made our economy weaker and put the public finances under tremendous strain.

“Increasing the tax due on the purchase of additional dwellings such as second homes maintains our commitment to protect housing opportunities for first-time buyers in Scotland, while also raising vital extra revenue.”

Propertymark points to an already plummeting desire for landlords to remain in the sector, with 68% of letting agent members in Scotland reporting an increase in notices to sell due to ongoing legislative changes.

4% to 6%

Timothy Douglas, its head of policy and campaigns, says: “It’s disappointing to see the blatant disregard for the importance of incentivising investment in the private rented sector by raising the Additional Dwelling Supplement from 4% to 6% for additional homes.

“The private rented sector is a key solution to resolve the housing crisis but if the Scottish Government continue with policies that disincentive landlords this will only make the situation worse.”

Scottish landlords have already been hit with emergency legislation, banning evictions and rent rises until at least next April.

Read the Budget statement in full.

View Full Article: Scots Minister shows ‘blatant disregard’ for landlords with higher BTL stamp duty

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