Data and commentary from Rightmove on stamp duty reforms
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% |
You May Also Enjoy
Repairs are now a compliance risk: what the Renters’ Rights Act means for letting agents
Breaking Property News 18/5/26
UK’s most affordable locations for first-time buyers
House prices trending into negative territory for just second time in a decade
Homesellers face months of delays