The Newshound

Berkeley urges Healey to slash stamp duty on new homes or risk housing market 'cliff edge'

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Berkeley Group has warned that cutting the five per cent investor surcharge on new-build rental homes could unlock 30 per cent sales growth and deliver a £4.2bn Treasury windfall.
Berkeley Group has warned that cutting the five per cent investor surcharge on new-build rental homes could unlock 30 per cent sales growth and deliver a £4.2bn Treasury windfall.

Housebuilder Berkeley Group has warned the Chancellor that the housing market is in danger of "sliding over an economic cliff edge" and is demanding an immediate stamp duty overhaul in its Budget submission. Berkeley says cutting the five per cent investor surcharge on new-build rental homes would unlock 30 per cent sales growth and hand the Treasury a £4.2bn windfall. The call comes as soaring mortgage rates driven by the Iran war have battered market confidence across the sector.

Berkeley is also urging Healey to cap stamp duty at one per cent for first-time buyers and downsizers.

Rivals Bellway, Barratt Redrow and homes portal Rightmove have all previously backed urgent stamp duty reform.

Andy Burnham last week launched an equity loan scheme for first-time buyers, but housebuilders say stamp duty cuts are the faster fix.

MoreThe TelegraphJohn Healey urged to cut stamp duty on new homes to reap £4bn windfallCity A.M.Cut stamp duty to reap £4bn windfall, Berkeley urges Healeygbnews.comStamp duty could be capped at one per cent as John Healey faces calls to cut tax on new homes - gbnews.comGB News on MSNJohn Healey urged to cap stamp duty at 1% to reap £4billion windfallAOLHealey urged to cut stamp duty on new homes to reap £4bn windfall
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