1 October 2007
Zero-carbon UK households are to qualify for tax relief on stamp duty thanks to new government legislation.
Under new measures announced in this year's Budget Report, buyers of new build homes costing less than £500,000 will be exempt from paying land tax stamp duty.
Meanwhile buyers of more expensive zero carbon homes will receive a minimum tax relief of £15,000, the government says.
MPs are set to introduce the scheme over the next five years in a bid to encourage more environmentally friendly homes to be built.
It is hoped the regulations will "help kick start the market for zero-carbon homes, encourage microgeneration technologies, and raise public awareness of the benefits of living in zero-carbon homes".
Last week Executive Chairman for the National Home Builders Federation, Stewart Baseley, said he remained confident in the future of energy efficient homes in the UK.
"The national timetable the government has set out for changes in statutory building regulations will enable homebuilders to work progressively to improve building standards, including the incorporation of groundbreaking renewable energy technology," he remarked.
MPs have called for all new build homes to be completely carbon-free by 2016.
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