In Scotland property purchases valued at between £145,001 and £250,000 are subject to a tax rate of 2 per cent (Land & Buildings Transaction Tax). First-time buyers in Scotland do not pay LBTT on property purchases up to £175,000.

David Corrie, head of residential agency for Galbraith, said:

“This is welcome news but we would urge Kate Forbes, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, to replicate this tax cut for the LBTT bands in Scotland.

“The property market has a good degree of flexibility but it would be of concern if the Scottish market was subject to higher property taxes than the rest of the UK.

“As a firm we have experienced a very active market in 2022, however the continued economic uncertainty may have a dampening effect going forward. A reduction in LBTT would provide a boost to the market, particularly for the lower price bands.”

 

Galbraith is a leading property consultancy, providing a wide range of services across the residential, commercial and rural property sectors in Scotland and the north of England.