"Replacing an only or main residence" stamp duty exemption question

littleirishboy

sorry I meant unless I sell my investment property I have. Badly worded. Actually I suppose I just need to buy this one then sell. It and the next one I buy I will get at standard rate... That works..

Still think the law is badly formed

AdrianC

littleirishboy said:

And that's the point I think the law is unfair. It means I have lost forever my right to a primary residence bought at the standard rate.

Except you haven't.

You just need one of them to be your primary residence.
And that's a question of intent, as much as crossing days off a calendar...
Fact: You are in the throes of relocating from China to London.
Belfast is no more than a convenient stop-gap.
If you didn't have that house sat there empty, you would not be going to that city.

The law is merely recognising the reality of your life and your intentions.

Of course I know I can sell both my properties which we might end up doing.

Which is, of course, the other option.

You think that the law is fair here.

I repeat...
I have not given my opinion. I have explained the law.

I am not George Osborne, Phil Hammond, Sajid Javid, or Rishi Sunak. I am (regrettably but probably wisely) about as likely to be appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in any imminent Cabinet reshuffle as Boris is for his next career move to see him appointed Pope. Therefore, my opinion is irrelevant to answering your question.