SNP targets first time buyers

25-Apr-2005

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced that it would provide first time buyers with a grant of £2000 if the party got into power.

Click here for our First Time Buyers Guide

Following the recent announcement by the Conservative party that it would abolish stamp duty on properties below £250,000, the SNP has responded by suggesting aspiring homeowners would benefit more from a grant when looking to get on the property ladder.

SNP general election co-ordinator Pete Wishart said that the proposal to offer a grant to first time buyers would do more to help young Scots than opposition party plans, as he believes that it would provide a significant step for aspiring first time buyers when finding a deposit.

Click here for further information on finding a deposit

Mr Wishart explained that the average house price in Scotland is £118,123 so a first time buyer purchasing at the average price would gain £800 more under SNP proposals. He added that those in Dundee would be £1100 better off and those in Paisley would have £1000 more.

He commented: "We all know house prices are higher in England - over
£100,000 higher on average in the south east - and so once again we have a policy from the Tories designed for English conditions.

The Tories have promised to increase the stamp duty threshold to £250,000 from the £120,000 which Chancellor Gordon Brown set during his recent Budget speech.

According to the Conservatives, their plans would exempt 80 per cent of transactions from the tax.

Click here to consult our Lawyer Richard Wilson and Co solicitors

Consult our tax advisor or ask for a quote

2008: May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2007: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2006: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2005: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar