By Rob Aberdein

The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (First-Time Buyer Relief) (Scotland) Order 2018 and the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Group Relief Modification) (Scotland) Order 2018 came into force on 30 June 2018.

The new orders mean that relief from tax is more readily available for first-time buyers of residential property and for companies in the same group. The changes to the rules for group tax relief in particular provide clarity and certainty in terms of qualification for the relief, while the updated legislation surrounding the taxing of first-time buyers aims to assist Scottish people in getting on the property ladder.