Landlords have been urged to sign a petition calling for flexible stamp duty payment options that could give the PRS a much-needed boost.
Andrews Property Group started the petition which now has 1,000 signatures, with backing from Rightmove and Zoopla along with property expert Phil Spencer, who has encouraged his social media followers to sign.
The petition proposes allowing home buyers to spread stamp duty costs over two to five years rather than finding the full amount within 14 days of completion, to address affordability pressures and unlock buyer demand.
Andrews believes the property portals’ support reflects growing industry recognition that current stamp duty payment requirements could be constraining market activity. It comes as Landmark Information Group’s Q2 2025 residential property trends report highlights affordability as a key barrier limiting buyer demand across the market.
Andrews’ head of marketing, Alison Mackenzie, tells LandlordZONE that although the petition is aimed at first time buyers and homeowners, the PRS also needs a boost. “This sector is important to housing security in the UK, with around five million households privately renting,” says Mackenzie.
“Increased regulation through the Renters’ Rights Bill, higher maintenance costs and the recent changes to stamp duty are all reported to be factors in landlords leaving or considering leaving the sector. The government have shown little support to landlords to date, but we would welcome stimulus for this sector too.”
Christian Balshen, Rightmove’s director of agency partnerships, adds: “It is well known and generally agreed that every residential property transaction gives a boost to the economy. Initiatives which could free up more cash for homebuyers to spend on their new home can only support this.”
Andrews now hopes to reach 10,000 signatures, which would trigger a written government response and move it closer to a Parliamentary debate at 100,000 signatures.
Sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/729071
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