The Conservative Party is ramping up its campaign to abolish stamp duty on primary homes, launching a petition as it seeks to build support for what it sees as a vote-winning policy.
Party leader Kemi Badenoch first unveiled the proposal in a surprise announcement at the end of her conference speech in October, positioning it as a flagship measure to boost home ownership and stimulate housing market activity. The idea has since gained traction within the party and among supporters.
Badenoch received a strong response from activists at last year’s conference in Manchester, where she said scrapping stamp duty would help more people onto the property ladder and support a more aspirational society.
The newly launched petition calls on the government to remove stamp duty on main residences, arguing the tax discourages people from moving and makes it harder for families to trade up. It also asks respondents how they voted in the 2024 General Election and which party they are most likely to support next, indicating it may also be used to gauge voter sentiment.
The proposal has been broadly welcomed by property professionals, some of whom argue the current system is acting as a brake on housing transactions.
Ollie Marshall, director of buying agency Prime Purchase, commented: “Finally, the Conservatives’ petition urging Labour to scrap stamp duty on main homes is one worth voting for.
“Removing stamp duty would be transformative, as it is one of the UK’s most toxic taxes. Not only is it a tax on aspiration but it punishes young, growing families.
“Stamp duty is a constant handbrake on people’s lives, not to mention the wider economy.”
On estate agency visit, Kemi Badenoch signals Tory support for scrapping stamp duty