When will the government stop meddling in the property sector?

[Longterminvestor]

While there is no doubt that certain areas of the UK property market need to be regulated and “rogue traders” pursued, surely the government is going too for? A significant hike in stamp duty and meddling in the letting agents market (which is likely to have a zero net effect) is not helping investor sentiment. At a time when the UK government needs maximum investment in housing stock, why not incentivise investors rather than using them as a cash cow?

 

[lookinginvest]

I totally agree, this constant milking of the UK property market will eventually backfire and when the government requires investment it will not be there (or the cost will be significantly higher than expected). Politicians from all parties have for some reason made property investors the scapegoats of the day and an easy target for increased taxes.

 

[PostBrexitInvestor]

The problem is that politicians only look forward to the next general election and have no real long-term plans for the UK economy or the UK property market. If they see a chance to increase tax income for the state then they will do so without a second thought. Do not expect governments to stop meddling in property markets because where there is money there are politicians.

 

[nmb]

The simple answer is never! Where governments and politicians can see additional income streams in the shape of taxes they will never let go. As a consequence, government/political meddling in all property markets (whether directly or indirectly) will never change.