Yorkshire Building Society argues that stamp duty is deterring millions of potential movers and weighing on housing transactions, estimating that restoring activity to historic levels could add £66bn to the economy. The issue comes as market signals remain subdued: Nationwide reported house-price growth of 0.2% in August, while Rightmove data referenced by Mortgage Solutions showed asking prices falling 2% during the month.
For advisers, transaction taxes should be integrated into affordability and suitability conversations rather than treated as a final-stage cost. Stamp duty can alter the viability of a home move, affect deposit funds and encourage clients to consider remortgaging, further advances, later-life lending or renovation instead of moving.
AI and digital planning tools can help model purchase costs and compare scenarios, but advice teams should use current tax rules and confirm assumptions carefully. Any future reform could change buyer behaviour rapidly, creating both opportunities and capacity pressures across lending, conveyancing and valuations.