Kemi Badenoch Promises to End Stamp Duty on Main Homes if Conservatives Return to Power

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to remove stamp duty on people buying their main homes in England and Northern Ireland. The announcement came during her closing speech at the party’s annual conference, where she outlined a plan to revive the housing market and ease financial pressure on homebuyers.

Badenoch told delegates that the current system discourages families from moving and holds back first-time buyers. She described stamp duty as an unfair tax that “punishes ambition” and promised to replace it with a simpler, more supportive structure if the Conservatives win the next general election.

How the Policy Would Work

Under the plan, anyone buying their primary residence would no longer pay stamp duty. The exemption would not apply to second homes, investment properties, or purchases made by companies and overseas buyers.

Party officials estimate the policy could cost the Treasury around nine billion pounds each year. It would form part of a broader twenty one billion pound economic package designed to support growth and encourage property ownership.

Badenoch said the measure would help unlock movement in the housing market by making it easier for people to relocate for work or family reasons.

Reactions from Economists and Opponents

Supporters inside the party welcomed the proposal, arguing that it could make the property market more dynamic. Some housing experts believe the plan could increase the number of transactions and provide a short-term boost to construction.

However, several economists warned that the policy might push up house prices if demand rises faster than supply. Others questioned how the government would make up for the lost tax revenue.

Opposition politicians called the move a “pre-election giveaway” that risks favouring wealthier homeowners while doing little to help renters or low-income buyers.

A Shift in Conservative Strategy

The announcement marks a clear statement of intent from Badenoch, who became party leader earlier this year. Her speech placed strong emphasis on traditional Conservative themes such as lower taxes, property ownership, and individual opportunity.

Political analysts say the proposal is designed to contrast with the Labour government’s focus on reforming business rates and expanding affordable housing. With an election expected next year, both parties are presenting competing visions for how to tackle the housing crisis.

Summary

The Conservative plan to abolish stamp duty on main homes signals a major shift in housing policy. Supporters see it as a way to make ownership more achievable, while critics fear it could widen inequality and strain public finances. The debate is likely to remain at the centre of Britain’s economic and political discussion in the months ahead.