Scottish property solicitor criticises Gordon Brown's tax U-turn

A leading Scottish property solicitor has criticised Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown’s decision to abolish without notice the exemption for deprived areas from Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), saying that the measure would have an adverse impact upon the commercial property market in Scotland.

The highest rate of SDLT, which is paid by the purchaser, is currently 4% and is payable on transactions of more than £500,000.

However, deals in parts of Scotland that are designated as being "disadvantaged" were until midnight on Wednesday exempt from the levy.

But in his latest Budget Mr Brown scrapped the exemption, and experts believe that this will discourage commercial property investment.

Norman Geddes, senior partner of solicitors Frazer Coogans Commercial said: "This has caused consternation in the commercial property market. Because no notice was given, there are many transactions where the purchaser has agreed to buy property on the understanding that no SDLT is payable because it lies in a Disadvantaged Area.

"If the missives (contract) had not been concluded by Budget Day
then the purchaser now faces paying Stamp Duty at 4% when he expected none. On a £1 million deal this is £40,000, and on a £2 million deal it is £80,000 of tax, imposed without warning.

"The purchasers will either have to accept this unexpected penalty, or withdraw from the deal if they can, or try to renegotiate the price.

"The lack of notice has unfairly affected transactions which were already in progress. If some notice had been given, then transactions in process could have been completed and new transactions could be agreed in the knowledge that the tax would apply.

"It is now likely that some deals will fall through."

Norman Geddes concluded: "The SDLT concession was introduced in 2003 to encourage redevelopment in Disadvantaged Areas. Urban regeneration will clearly be affected by this sudden change of policy."

-ends-

Notes

Contact telephone numbers for Norman Geddes:

Office: 01292 280499
Home: 01655 740345
Mobile: 07818 448746

About Frazer Coogans Solicitors

Ayrshire solicitors Frazer Coogans have expanded rapidly from small beginnings in the 1980s to offer a friendly and personal service to all clients from their modern premises in Ayr town centre.

From their Ayr base, partners Norman Geddes, Austin Thomson, Lauren Fowler and associate Angus Logan – all experienced solicitors - along with their professional and dedicated staff, provide a comprehensive suite of legal services to Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland and the UK, with particular expertise in accident claims, personal injury damages, property conveyancing, divorce and family law, wills, estates and executries.

Frazer Coogans’ Ayr office operates a specialist Accident Claims & Personal Injury Damages Centre to assist clients in making claims for personal injury damages after road traffic, workplace, slip and trip accidents and also in criminal injuries compensation.

This Ayrshire firm of solicitors has also established a significant presence in Scotland’s property conveyancing market, advising clients on all aspects of buying, selling and leasing premises both domestic and commercial, and handling property conveyancing for diverse clients across Scotland.

Scottish divorce and family law is another area in which Frazer Coogans solicitors possess particular expertise, advising on the legal, financial and child related issues associated with divorce, providing negotiation for amicable settlement and undertaking litigation where needed.

Frazer Coogans solicitors also offer a professional, dedicated and sympathetic service for wills and estates in the UK, including the administration of estates and appointing executors.

In 2003 Frazer Coogans successfully attained the "Investors in People" standard.

The firm is fully computerised with Broadband connection. It occupies modern premises in the centre of Ayr with adjacent parking for clients and wheelchair-friendly access.

Issued on behalf of Frazer Coogans Solicitors by Fame Publicity Services. Contact Murdoch MacDonald on +44 (0)1292 281498.

Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland
KA7 2AY

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 281498
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Frazer Coogans Solicitors
Dalblair House
46 Dalblair Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland
KA7 1UQ

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 280499
Fax: +44 (0)1292 611645

Websites:

www.frazercoogans.co.uk
www.accidentclaims.com