Data and commentary from Rightmove on stamp duty reforms

October 9, 2025
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Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert said:

“We’ve been calling for stamp duty reform for some time now, as it’s a significant barrier for many people moving home. Abolishing it completely would remove one of the biggest barriers to moving, unlocking more moves at all stages of the property ladder.

“Our data shows that only 5% of homes in England are exempt from stamp duty for people moving to their next home, and only 40% for first-time buyers. Looking ahead to November’s Budget, we would urge the government to review how stamp duty could be changed. Even changing the thresholds would be a helping hand for some, but if there was the possibility to go even further it would be a huge step forward for mobility across the property market.”

 

Stamp duty stats

Changes in proportion of stamp duty free homes

 

Region Proportion of available homes for sale that are stamp duty free for first-time buyers 2025 Proportion of available homes for sale that are stamp duty free for home-movers 2025
East Midlands 59% 5%
East of England 36% 2%
London 11% 0%
North East 76% 27%
North West 61% 10%
South East 26% 1%
South West 37% 3%
West Midlands 53% 5%
Yorkshire and The Humber 64% 11%
England 40% 5%

Rightmove

UK Property news updates shared directly from Rightmove PLC - the country's leading property portal.

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