The 2024 Budget Provides No Solutions for the Rent Crisis or Landlord Exodus

The 2024 Budget Provides No Solutions for the Rent Crisis or Landlord Exodus

13:44 PM, 30th October 2024, About 20 hours ago 2

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The 2024/25 Budget could have been the government’s chance to stop the landlord exodus that is tearing apart the UK’s rental market. Instead, it has done the opposite. At a time when landlords are leaving in droves and tenants are struggling to find affordable housing, the Chancellor has chosen to pile on more financial strain with an increased Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge, and a stubborn freeze on Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil rate bands and introducing IHT on pension funds.

1. The SDLT Surcharge: A Punishing Increase for Landlords

In a Budget move that’s sent shockwaves through the landlord community, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) surcharge on additional properties has been raised from 3% to 5%. This increase is a massive blow to landlords who are already grappling with rising costs and complex regulations. What was previously a steep surcharge has now become a prohibitive obstacle for small landlords looking to expand or even maintain their portfolios.

The Impact:

The 5% SDLT surcharge means landlords will pay significantly more upfront, making it harder to invest in new rental properties. This decision not only discourages small-scale landlords but also tilts the field even more in favour of large corporate investors who can more easily absorb these costs. For tenants, this shift is bound to impact rental supply, with fewer landlords entering or remaining in the market, inevitably driving up rent prices as housing becomes scarcer.

2. Freezing the IHT Nil Rate Band and Expanding IHT to Pensions

The Chancellor has once again frozen Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil rate bands. In real terms, this “freeze” effectively raises the tax for many, as inflation increases asset values without corresponding increases in tax-free thresholds. But perhaps most shocking is the decision to make pension funds subject to IHT, a move that will affect not only landlords but anyone with substantial retirement savings.

3. The Case for Indexation Allowance: A Missed Opportunity

The Chancellor’s failure to reinstate Indexation Allowance represents yet another missed opportunity to bring fairness back to the tax treatment of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on property. Without Indexation Allowance, landlords are still paying CGT on “gains” driven by inflation, rather than real increases in property value. This means landlords are effectively taxed on money they haven’t truly earned, adding to the unfair burden of recent tax changes.

Where Do We Go From Here?

With this Budget failing to address the key issues that are driving landlords out of the market, it is vital that landlords come together to push for the tax reforms that are necessary to save the private rental sector. Without these changes, the landlord exodus will continue, putting more pressure on tenants and driving up rents.

Support Property118: Fighting for Fairer Tax Treatment

Now more than ever, it’s time for landlords to come together and demand the fair tax treatment they deserve. With the right reforms, the private rental sector can thrive once again—without them, we risk a complete collapse.

At Property118, we are dedicated to fighting for the fair tax treatment landlords deserve. Whether it’s reinstating Indexation Allowance, addressing the unfairness of dividend tax rates, or restoring mortgage interest relief, we are committed to pushing for the reforms that will keep landlords in the market and ensure affordable housing for tenants.

We need your support to continue this fight. By contributing to our campaign, you can help us bring about the tax reforms that will safeguard the private rental sector.

Every donation counts. Use the form below to help us fight for a fairer tax system for landlords across the UK.

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Mick Roberts

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14:34 PM, 30th October 2024, About 20 hours ago

Yes, she's certainly gonna' put off the new landlords that were buying & at least taking some tenants, albeit the better well off tenants. This extra 2% will definitely make renting yet again more expensive through sheer supply demand, never mind the extra cost Landlord will have to recoup.
After all, we & all smart tenants know
TENANTS RENT PAYS FOR EVERYTHING EVERYTHING.

Tom McGrath

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19:47 PM, 30th October 2024, About 14 hours ago

Prior to the budget statement from Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer was asked a question about homelessness. "We're abolishing no-fault evictions, preventing many renters ending up homeless."
Abolishing Section 21 will cause even more homelessness. The local authority has a duty of care to its citizens. If a tenant is evicted for rent arrears or damaging the property, the local authority can refuse to provide accommodation, saying the tenant has 'intentionally' become homeless. The use of Section 21 masks the reason for the eviction and protects the tenant.
It will probably take a year or two for this truth to become apparent, by which time thousands of properties will be lost to the rental market, and tent cities (Neatevilles?) will become commonplace. Landlords will sell off to first time buyers, as there will be few takers for rental properties now there is to be a 5% surcharge.

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