First-time buyers 'unlikely to be affected by higher taxes for views'

28-Jul-2009

First-time buyers looking to put down a deposit for a home are unlikely to be affected by proposals that could see those with a nice view charged more council tax.

This is the view of Helen Adams, managing director at FirstRungNow.com, in response to an article in the Telegraph revealing thousands of people with accommodation that overlooks sea, mountains or rivers could be made to pay higher levies.

She explained individuals who own property in picturesque spots are likely to have shelled out more in the first place, as well as greater rates of stamp duty.

People looking to get a step on the first rung of the housing ladder will probably not be able to afford a home with a pleasant view to start with anyway, Ms Adams asserted.

She said: "It is not going to help first time buyers afford the home, or help to run it and pay for it after they have brought it.

"It's more likely to affect people with more money who can afford to buy their houses in places where they have a nice view."

According to the Telegraph, at least 100,000 properties have been identified for higher taxes on the basis of their views.

FirstRungNow.com - how to buy a house, from finding your first flat or first house, first time buyer mortgages, shared ownership, buying with friends, gifted deposit, part buy part rent - all a first time buyer could possibly need.

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