The Conservative Party is set to outline its plans for homebuyers and property investors in their election manifesto, to be published today. The manifesto will feature a range of proposals aimed at boosting investment in the housing market and increasing the availability of homes for purchase and rent.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to offer significant tax breaks to landlords. These incentives are designed to encourage more investment in the housing sector, with the goal of increasing the supply of private rental properties (PRS). By making the sector more attractive to investors, the Conservatives aim to address the shortage of rental housing and provide more options for renters.
In addition to these measures for landlords, the manifesto will also include initiatives aimed at helping more people become homeowners. The Conservative Party is putting home ownership at the centre of its general election campaign, with a particular focus on making it easier for renters to transition to owning their own homes.
One of the key proposals is the abolition of capital gains tax for landlords who sell their properties to their tenants. This scheme is designed to run for a period of two years and is intended to incentivise landlords to sell their rental properties directly to their tenants. The aim is to increase the availability of homes for sale and help long-term renters achieve their goal of home ownership. By reducing the financial burden on landlords who sell to tenants, the Conservatives hope to make more properties available on the market, thereby increasing the opportunities for renters to buy.
The proposed tax break for landlords who sell to tenants is part of a broader strategy to free up housing stock and make home ownership more accessible. The scheme not only benefits landlords by offering them a tax advantage but also supports renters in their journey towards purchasing a home. This initiative is seen as a way to address the housing shortage and improve the housing market for both renters and buyers.
Overall, the Conservative Party’s manifesto aims to support both property investors and prospective homeowners by providing targeted tax incentives and promoting the availability of housing. The focus on home ownership reflects the party’s commitment to making it easier for people to buy homes and secure their financial future.
The proposed measures will not affect primary residences, as these are already exempt from capital gains tax under current regulations. This policy targets landlords and property investors, aiming to release more housing stock into the market by incentivising sales to existing tenants. The hope is to alleviate some pressure on the rental market and support long-term tenants in becoming homeowners.
In addition, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will unveil plans to revive the Help to Buy scheme, a programme previously popular among first-time buyers. This initiative will provide government-backed loans to assist in purchasing new homes, making it easier for individuals to step onto the property ladder. Sunak’s manifesto will also include a pledge to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers on properties valued under £425,000. This move aims to reduce the upfront costs associated with buying a home, thereby broadening access to home ownership.
Sunak’s new housing policies reflect a return to core Conservative values of tax reduction and home construction, a shift intended to address the ongoing issues of tax burdens and housing shortages. The Conservatives have historically positioned themselves as the party of home ownership and economic prudence, and these measures are designed to reaffirm that stance in the face of recent economic challenges.
In his upcoming address, Sunak will emphasise: “We Conservatives have had to make tough decisions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted the economy and increased the tax burden. However, we are now focusing on reducing taxes for workers, parents, and pensioners. Our party, inspired by the legacies of Margaret Thatcher and Nigel Lawson, remains committed to sound economic management. Unlike Labour, we prioritise fiscal responsibility and the long-term benefits of a strong, stable economy.”
These initiatives signal the Conservatives’ intent to not only stabilise but also invigorate the housing market. By providing tax incentives for landlords to sell properties to their tenants and reducing financial barriers for first-time buyers, Sunak aims to foster a more dynamic and accessible housing sector. This approach underscores a broader strategy to enhance economic growth by promoting home ownership and reducing housing-related taxes, reinforcing the party’s traditional platform of economic conservatism and market-driven solutions.
The Conservative party’s stance is clear: those who can work should work, and hard work should be rewarded by letting people keep more of their earnings. The goal is to reduce welfare dependency and lower taxes.
Despite calls from some Conservatives to cut or eliminate inheritance tax, the party has decided not to include this in their promises, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged in a BBC interview that owning a home has become more difficult under Conservative rule. To address this, the party’s manifesto includes plans to revise planning rules to encourage more inner-city housing development. This change aims to allow cities like London to reach population densities similar to those in European cities such as Paris and Barcelona.
Writing for The Telegraph, Sunak reflected on his housing proposals, emphasizing the importance of home ownership. He recalled the significance of receiving the keys to his first flat, a memory he cherishes. Sunak expressed his desire for more people to have the chance to own a home, highlighting that it provides financial security, a sense of belonging, and, as Margaret Thatcher once said, is a key component of individual freedom.