The 2024 Spring Budget of the UK, delineated by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, sets forth the financial blueprint for the nation's foreseeable future. Elegantly described as a long-term strategy for sustainable economic growth, this fiscal declaration is likely the final one before the impending general election, which must transpire before January's end in 2025.
Given the persistent cost-of-living conundrum, coupled with volatile inflation and interest rates, landlords, investors, and prospective buy-to-let property seekers were understandably vigilant.
The current budget has introduced a series of immediate and prospective alterations – encompassing tax reductions and access to grants and schemes – significantly impacting landlords and their investments. This concise guide encapsulates the principal takeaways from the 2024 Spring Budget that landlords should be cognizant of regarding their investment strategies.
Revisions to Holiday Lettings
Presently, landlords can claim tax relief if they lease their property as a furnished holiday let (FHL), but this provision will be rescinded from April 2025 onwards.This scheme permits owners of qualifying holiday rental properties to:
- Deduct mortgage interest payments and the costs of fixtures and fittings from rental income on holiday lets
- Make tax-advantageous pension contributions
- Access valuable capital gains tax (CGT) relief upon selling the property
- Pay income tax at the standard rate instead of the higher rat
The government postulates that abolishing these FHL rules will augment the availability of long-term rentals for residents, a salient issue in the contemporary housing market. Landlords currently operating holiday homes should reevaluate their financial models and contemplate potential restructuring ahead of April 2025, particularly in light of forward and backward inflation flat rate calculations.
Moreover, the Chancellor disclosed that eligible tax deductions for losses from furnished holiday let owners will be curtailed from April 2024. Although specifics are still forthcoming, this could complicate the management of holiday rentals.
Abolition of Multiple Dwellings Relief
In a move impacting landlords with extensive property portfolios, the government is abolishing Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) from June 2024.Currently, landlords with multiple properties pay SDLT on the average price per dwelling, with rates escalating based on property value. MDR allows landlords to save on SDLT when acquiring multiple residential properties within the same or linked transactions.
Any transactions completed on or before the 6th of March 2024 will still benefit from the scheme, as will those occurring before the 1st of June 2024.
Hereafter, the full SDLT rate will apply to each property purchased, substantially increasing upfront costs for landlords expanding their portfolios. Meticulous financial planning and forecasting will be crucial to maintaining a stable cash flow when acquiring new properties.
Adjustments to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Rates
A relatively positive outcome for landlords from the Budget announcement is the reduction in the higher CGT rates applied to residential properties, which will decrease from 28% to 24% starting in April 2024. Private residence relief will remain unchanged.While not a monumental tax break, this 4% reduction could offer some respite for landlords contemplating selling their properties. However, the anticipated drop in the tax-free allowance will likely result in higher CGT bills (an average increase of £2,610), significantly affecting approximately 260,000 taxpayers now obligated to pay CGT upon selling.
The government anticipates the lower CGT rate to boost tax receipts by stimulating more property transactions.
Tightening of Empty Property Relief Rules
The Empty Property Relief “reset period” will be extended from 6 weeks to 13 weeks starting in April 2024. This relief offers a council tax exemption for qualifying properties left vacant for specified periods. The extended “reset period” means that properties must remain occupied for a longer duration before the exemption eligibility window resets.This change aims to dissuade landlords from repeatedly purchasing properties for short periods to claim the relief. Consequently, landlords managing vacant properties may experience a negative impact on their cash flow.
Elimination of Non-Domicile Tax Status
Overseas landlords of UK rental properties will now be required to pay tax on any earnings made outside the UK. The non-dom tax status will be replaced with a territorial tax regime based purely on residency. Therefore, foreign landlords may face higher tax bills on their collective income, necessitating a review of their structures and property arrangements.
No Relief from Stamp Duty Surcharge (Yet)
Despite fervent rumours, there were no changes to the existing 3% stamp duty surcharge in the current Budget.Although industry bodies like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) lobbied for the surcharge’s removal – even temporarily – the government has opted to maintain it. It’s believed that abolishing the surcharge would have spurred an influx of new rental homes. With a general election on the horizon, this topic is likely to be widely debated.
Unresolved Issues on Renters Reform Bill
Regrettably for landlords, the Spring Budget did not provide additional clarity on the forthcoming rental sector reforms. The Renters (Reform) Bill, at the time of this writing, is currently at the Report stage in the House of Lords.With amendments still under discussion, this bill has not yet received Royal Assent into Parliament. Consequently, landlords are left speculating about the new framework for issues like Section 21 evictions and standards.
For context, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove has asserted that this will be enacted into law before the next general election. Only time will reveal the outcome, but landlords may need to make strategic short-term decisions amidst the prevailing ambiguity.
Property Management Services in South London
Ready to navigate the complexities of property management with confidence? Trust Bluestone Properties to expertly manage your investments and maximise your returns. Contact us today to discover how we can tailor our services to meet your unique property management needs. Let's secure your financial future together!
Share this article
