Stamp duty & the next budget

[Redmax]

Do we expect there to be any changes to stamp duty in the next budget? I can't see it going down but I could perhaps see it going up...

I'm tempted to delay our exchange of contracts until after the budget (although there's a good change we won't be ready before then anyway), just in case something dramatic happens to stamp duty which makes the move unaffordable.

Any thoughts?

[bogwoppit]

Do you mean you expect the thresholds to go up, or the rates? I thought the government said they'd keep the FTB exemption?

[bogwoppit]

I honestly don't know why they don't reform stamp duty, a child can tell it's the most stupidly constructed tax in existence. Even an actuarially neutral rejig (i.e. 3% only on the part above the 1% limit, but with different limits) would be a benefit, and would stop all the bunching below 250k (which no doubt loses a few bob in tax for houses that would otherwise sell for 260k).