Welsh government plans to tweak relief for buyers
The draft Welsh Budget 2026/27 confirmed there would be no changes in the rates of land transaction tax. However, it did reveal some related changes are being planned. What’s the full story?
Land transaction tax (LTT) is the devolved equivalent of stamp duty land tax in Wales. It operates in a broadly similar way, but the Welsh Government has the power to set the rates and bands. The draft Budget document confirms that there is no intention to change the rates and bands for residential and non-residential property. However, there will be changes to other parts of LTT.
Firstly, a new “equalisation” rule will be introduced to the multiple dwellings relief rules. It appears this will provide for an adjustment where properties subject to a claim are chargeable at both the main and higher rates. More detail is expected next month. There will also be an increase in the minimum tax rule rate from 1% to 3%. This rule sets a floor so that the amount of tax collected cannot be less than the specified percentage. Finally, an additional refund rule will apply to higher rate transactions where a landlord leases the property to a local authority in Wales via the Leasing Scheme Wales. This will allow the buyer to obtain a refund of the additional charge in a similar way to someone replacing their main residence.
It is expected that, if approved, the changes will apply from April 2026.
Related Topics
-
Company buying back shares? Watch out for forthcoming changes
Company owners arranging a retirement, a family succession or a shareholder exit may need to rethink how shares are bought back. The Budget confirms that the government intends to tighten the rules distinguishing capital gains from dividend income, potentially making some buybacks considerably more expensive. How might an ordinary business exit be caught?
-
What can you learn from HMRC’s input tax toolkit?
You know that penalties can be charged on careless errors and many mistakes relate to input tax being wrongly claimed. How can HMRC’s input tax guidance help your business to claim the right amount?
-
A £3,000 side-hustle allowance: more generous than it looks?
People making money from small side businesses will have more room to earn without paying income tax, following a Budget decision to triple the trading allowance. However, the figure relates to what you receive before expenses, not the profit you keep. Will the £3,000 allowance actually save you tax?