Andrews Property Group has launched a petition calling for flexible Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) payment options, allowing buyers to spread costs over two to five years rather than the current 14-day deadline after completion.
Chief executive David Powell says: “We believe this flexible payment approach offers a sustainable, long-term solution that benefits buyers, maintains Government revenue, and creates a more stable operating environment for our industry.”
The petition addresses three critical issues affecting the housing market: the need for sustainable solutions over temporary measures, buyer affordability challenges, and barriers to housing market mobility.
Andrews claims the housing market has repeatedly suffered from boom-bust cycles created by temporary stamp duty changes. Short-term solutions, such as temporary rate cuts, create pressure for all parties in the moving process, while flexible payment plans would provide permanent market stability.
Recent data illustrates the market disruption caused by temporary schemes. Transaction volumes plummeted 64% in April 2025 following the stamp duty cliff edge¹, while Barclays reported a 59% surge in first-time buyer purchases rushing to beat the March deadline².
The requirement to pay SDLT within 14 days of completion creates affordability barriers for first-time buyers and homeowners, according to the agency. Buyers may have to save extra funds, on top of deposits, or increase mortgage borrowing, which could reduce purchasing power.
With England’s average house price at £286,000, typical home movers face stamp duty bills of £4,300, while first-time buyers purchasing at this level pay no stamp duty (as it’s under the £300,000 threshold). However, in London where average properties cost £567,000, home movers face stamp duty bills of £18,350, while first-time buyers pay £9,050 on an average property selling for £481,000⁵. Combined with substantial deposit requirements, legal fees and moving costs, buyers must find significant additional cash to pay the SDLT bill within 14 days of completion.
Investors, of course, have to pay an additional home SDLT surcharge, too.
Andrews believes flexible payments could help improve housing market mobility. The proposed scheme would work similarly to existing HMRC payment plans, maintaining the same tax revenue for government while providing manageable monthly payments.
The petition requires 100,000 signatures to trigger a Parliamentary debate, offering the sector an opportunity to influence long-term policy rather than endure repeated temporary measures.
The company is calling on property professionals and industry bodies to support the petition and engage with the campaign for lasting reform.
You can see the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/729071
