The Conservative Party has launched a petition calling for stamp duty to be scrapped on main homes as the debate over property taxation returns to the centre of UK housing politics ahead of the next General Election.
The campaign urges the government to abolish stamp duty on primary residences, arguing the tax is discouraging people from moving and making it harder for families to trade up.
The petition also asks respondents how they voted in the 2024 General Election and which party they are likely to support next, suggesting the move may also be aimed at gauging voter sentiment.
The proposal follows a policy pledge made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch at the party’s 2025 conference, where she said a future Conservative government would abolish stamp duty on main homes to make it easier for people to buy and move property. The plan would not apply to second homes, buy-to-let purchases or properties bought through companies.
HATED TAX
Stamp duty currently raises billions for the Treasury each year, but economists have long argued the much hated tax reduces mobility by discouraging people from moving, particularly in higher-value parts of the country.
Property professionals have broadly welcomed the idea of reform, with some saying the current system is holding back transactions.
“The petition urging Labour to scrap stamp duty on main homes is one worth voting for.”
Ollie Marshall (main picture), Director of buying agency Prime Purchase, says: “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.”
It remains unclear whether the Conservatives would also review the higher stamp duty surcharge on second homes and investment properties, which has been increased in recent years as governments sought to cool landlord demand.
Sign the petition HERE.
