Will Stamp Duty Land Tax changes encourage more Property Investors?
At the present time, if you were to purchase a number of properties from the same Seller, whether at the same time or at different times, then these purchases, for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) purposes, would be considered "linked" transactions. This means that the total value of the properties purchased would be added together and SDLT would be paid upon the aggregate value - total purchase price.The Government announced in the recent budget that it planned to change the way SDLT was charged on such transactions by taking the mean value of the properties - their individual value. The proposed changes are due to take effect with the introduction of the Finance Act 2011 in mid July 2011.Here is an example to explain the sistuation more clearly:Purchased 5 X £140,000 appartments from same developer in the same block. Total = £700,000 STAMP DUTY PAYABLE @ 3% = £21,000Purchased 5 X £140,000 appartments from same developer in the same block . Mean value = £140,000 STAMP DUTY PAYABLE @ 1% per property X 5 = £7000This is welcome news for investors and a much more rational approach to Stamp Duty taxation on bulk purchases.Another change is proposed in the way these investments can be held. At present only commercial property can be held within a pension fund. If the proposed changes are made, this could enable residential property to be held within a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).If you are thinking of investing in buy to let property, even bulk buying, or purchasing commercial property, contact in Wimborne, for an informal chat to see how we can help you through the ?see our website for detailed information concerningThis article is intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. Newnham & Jordan Solicitors in Wimborne cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.