Last week we discussed the first 2 points of our 5 Point Plan, which explained our recommendations to the Australia Government in relation to interest tax deductions/negative gearing & Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
As per our 5 Point Plan petition that we launched late last year, our third recommendation to the Australian Government relates to the reduction of Stamp Duty for First Home buyers purchasing their first home, whether it be a new or existing home:
Provide first home buyers of every state a 50% reduction in Stamp Duty on purchases of existing dwellings and a 100% Stamp Duty exemption on new dwellings. One of the biggest issues first home buyers face is the ability to out-bid other bidders for a property and save for that initial deposit. This enables a more even battle ground for first home buyers competing to get into the property market.
Since our proposal last year, a new Mckell Institute Paper has proposed a scheme which plans to end stamp duty in NSW, and replace it with an annual land tax on the value of all home owners land’s. Other states across Australia are also reviewing their stamp duty policies. Whilst it is positive to see stamp duty under review we believe our recommendation provides the fairest outcome for first home buyers who need assistance when competing with investors. FHBA sees the following benefits arising if our stamp duty reduction/exemption recommendations were implemented:
- It will provide first home buyers with peace of mind when bidding at an auction or negotiating with an agent for existing dwellings, by giving them a head start over the investors and other buyers they may be competing against.
- By providing the full exemption on new dwellings, this will encourage new housing construction, alleviating some of the housing supply side issues Australia faces.
- Our followers have told us that one of the biggest barriers to buying their first home is saving for a deposit. With house prices in some cities at record highs, our recommendation will allow first home buyers to get into the property market earlier than if they had to pay the full stamp duty.
- Stamp duty charges are supposed to only lightly impact the economy, however currently it is acting as a significant barrier to economic activity, job creation and growth.
- Most consider Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), a typically mandatory insurance cover for home buyers with a deposit of less than 20% (and which aims to protect the lender), ‘dead money’, a reduction & exemption in stamp duty costs for first home buyers can reduce the reliance on LMI to get their first home loan, as some first home buyer deposits shrink when stamp duty is paid. They can also avoid bearing larger mortgage debt as result.
Stay tuned for our discussion of point No.4 (Changing the Land Tax System) of our 5 Point Plan.
