Webbers have joined growing industry support for a campaign calling for flexible Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) payment options. The campaign, led by David Powell, Chief Executive of Andrews Property Group, proposes allowing home buyers to spread their Stamp Duty costs over a period of two to five years—rather than paying in full within 14 days of completion.
Malcolm Prescott, Managing Director of Webbers, voiced strong support for the initiative, saying: “Clearly, anything that the Government can do to make buying homes easier—especially for younger, first-time buyers—has to be welcomed, and we are right behind this sensible and pragmatic campaign. We just hope that Government Ministers will listen and act.
We have known David from Andrews for some years, and his suggestion is a well-considered and thoughtful solution to help buyers in the face of increased costs.”
The campaign has already gained significant traction across the property industry. Major property portals Rightmove and Zoopla have publicly backed the petition, alongside TV presenter and property expert Phil Spencer, who has urged his social media followers to support the initiative.
The petition has already surpassed 1,000 signatures, with the next target of 10,000 signatures required to trigger a written response from the Government.
Christian Balshen, Director of Agency Partnerships at Rightmove, commented: “This pragmatic suggestion could positively impact demand, and consequently support a healthy market and transaction volumes.”
Paul Whitehead, CEO of Zoopla, added: “Stamp Duty is a significant barrier to moving home, limiting both house moves and labour mobility — two essential drivers of UK economic growth. Zoopla is proud to support this initiative to allow stamp duty to be paid in instalments, a change that could unlock market activity and help get Britain moving.”
David Powell, who initiated the campaign, welcomed the cross-industry support: “Having Rightmove, Zoopla and Phil Spencer back this petition shows there’s real recognition across the industry that we need practical solutions to affordability barriers. This reform could unlock significant buyer demand currently held back by cash flow constraints.”
To support the campaign and add your signature, visit the official petition page below
