By Dominic Cole

The Express has commented on the data released by trade lending body UK Finance which demonstrates that the number of first time buyers in August was the highest monthly level since June 2017. Whilst this is not a particularly long time, it may demonstrate to the Chancellor that the changes to the taxation of properties owned by investors is working to assist people get on the property ladder.

If the Chancellor decides the existing changes have not made enough of a difference he may well consider implementing the rumored proposal to give a capital gains tax exemption to landlords who sell property to tenants who have lived in the property for three years or more. It has also been suggested that the exemption is split between the landlord and tenant so that the tenant has a contribution towards their mortgage deposit.