Andy Burnham on Stamp Duty: What Buyers Must Know

Key Takeaways

Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will not be changed or abolished in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
Standard residential thresholds starting at £125,000 remain active alongside existing First-Time Buyer relief up to £500,000.
Broad Council Tax overhaul is off the agenda for now, though the high-value surcharge on properties over £2 million scheduled for 2028 remains on track.
With tax policy confirmed, buyers and investors can budget for upfront purchase costs with confidence.

The Announcement: Tax Certainty Restored

The ongoing speculation surrounding property tax reform has been formally put to rest. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that homebuyers will not see changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in the forthcoming Autumn Budget.

When asked directly whether buyers could rely on Stamp Duty remaining intact, Burnham gave a clear response: “Yes, I can say that quite clearly. That won’t be happening.”

He also addressed media speculation directly, pointing out that background policy debates had been misconstrued as imminent legislation: “It’s just not the case that we are bringing forward plans on that scale at this moment in time.”

The brief uncertainty that gripped the property market Burnham took office on 20 July 2026 has now been resolved. Whatever your situation, the goalposts are not moving, providing much-needed stability in a market that has felt unpredictable.

While Chancellor John Healey is expected to detail broader tax and public spending plans later in 2026, Stamp Duty rate adjustments are officially off the table. For buyers and movers, this clarification removes a major source of hesitation.

Current Stamp Duty Rates and Thresholds

Because standard SDLT bands remain fixed, buyers across England and Northern Ireland can calculate their upfront tax bill using the established rate tiers.

For standard main residence purchases, Stamp Duty is calculated as follows:

Up to £125,000: 0%
£125,001 to £250,000: 2%
£250,001 to £925,000: 5%
£925,001 to £1.5 million: 10%
Above £1.5 million: 12%

First-time buyers continue to benefit from meaningful relief, paying no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 for properties valued up to £500,000 (with 5% applying on the portion between £300,000 and £500,000). Higher rates apply for buy-to-let purchases and second homes.

To explore full moving costs, read our comprehensive First-Time Buyer’s Guide. You can also calculate your exact liability using the WIS Stamp Duty Calculator.

What This Mean for Your Mortgage Strategy

With property tax rules remaining stable, buyers can shift their focus back to mortgage affordability and income criteria. While fixed tax bands make budgeting simpler, securing approval depends heavily on how a lender evaluates your income structure.

Contractors & Sole Traders: If you receive income via day rates or company dividends rather than traditional PAYE, specialised underwriting is required. Learn how lenders assess contract income in Our guide to contractor mortgages
Foreign Nationals & Visa Holders: Overseas buyers and non-UK residents pay standard SDLT plus a 2% surcharge. Beyond tax requirements, lender criteria vary based on visa duration and residency status. Review accepted terms in our detailed WIS guide to mortgages for visa holders.

Why Was There Property Tax Speculation?

The recent wave of market speculation stemmed directly from Andy Burnham’s long-standing public record on property taxation. Throughout his political career, he has argued that the current tax system places an unfair burden on younger buyers trying to get onto the property ladder.

Burnham previously expressed support for campaigns like Fairer Share, which proposes replacing Council Tax and Stamp Duty with an annual proportional property tax. He has also shown interest in a Land Value Tax model.

However, there is a clear distinction between broad personal philosophy and active cabinet policy. The Prime Minister made it explicit that sweeping tax overhauls will not form part of the current legislative agenda.

Council Tax and Surcharge Outlook

Council Tax rules also remain unchanged for the immediate future. However, measures introduced under the previous administration continue as scheduled.

A high-value Council Tax surcharge is set to take effect in 2028, targeting properties valued between £2 million and £5 million. Burnham has voiced approval for this measure, citing the need to balance regional tax disparities between the North and South of England. Broader Council Tax revaluation may re-emerge later in the parliament, but no immediate changes apply to the 2026 Budget cycle.

How Homebuyers Should Proceed Now

For buyers who put plans on hold while waiting for tax cuts, the path forward is now clear. Waiting for a Stamp Duty overhaul that has been ruled out could mean missing out on competitive mortgage pricing and suitable housing stock.

To evaluate your next steps in today’s housing market:

Examine regional valuation trends in our analysis of UK house prices hitting £300,000
Identify strategic entry points using our guide to first-time buyer opportunities in 2026
Check current borrowing costs and lender criteria via our latest mortgage rate update

Whether you are purchasing your first home, remortgaging, or expanding a portfolio, expert advice ensures your transaction moves forward smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stamp Duty changing in 2026?

No. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates and thresholds will remain unchanged in the Autumn Budget.

What is the current Stamp Duty threshold for first-time buyers?

First-time buyers pay 0% Stamp Duty on properties purchased for up to £300,000. For properties priced between £300,001 and £500,000, a reduced rate of 5% applies only to the portion above £300,000.

Do non-UK residents pay extra Stamp Duty?

Yes. Non-UK residents purchasing residential property in England or Northern Ireland pay a 2% surcharge in addition to standard SDLT rates and any applicable second-home charges.

Will Stamp Duty be replaced by a Land Value Tax in the future?

While Prime Minister Burnham has historically expressed interest in proportional property taxes and Land Value Tax models, he has confirmed that no such reform is currently being prepared by the government.

Regulatory Information

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