As previously indicated to the Deputy, there are a number of existing reliefs that are available to property owners selling their home, and to first-time buyers such as the Help to Buy scheme and certain reliefs under the Capital Tax area which I outlined in my previous response.
I am very conscious of the need to bring more properties onto the market and to give first time buyers a more competitive edge in the market versus investors. In this regard, the forthcoming Housing for All Strategy will bring forward a number of proposals to help address the broader housing needs of our society. It should be noted however that, as of now, I have no plans to make any changes to the CGT rate in the way suggested by the Deputy. However, that said, all taxes and potential taxation options are of course constantly kept under review.
Finally, I wish to reiterate the importance I place on improving the position for first time buyers by pointing out that the rationale for the introduction of the recent 10% stamp duty charge on the multiple purchase of houses is to disincentivise such purchases by institutional investors with a view to levelling the playing field for first time buyers and others interested in buying a home to live in.
