Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government will exempt leaseholders in unmortgageable properties from the higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax when purchasing alternative accommodation.

The circumstances under which higher Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates must be paid in respect of additional property purchases, as well as information on the availability of reliefs and refunds, is available on gov.uk: Higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax - GOV.UK

If the previous main home is sold or given away within three years of the purchase of the additional home, an application can be made for a refund of the higher SDLT rate part of the bill.

HMRC are able to consider exceptional circumstances and extend the period a refund is available for, if the three-year period is insufficient to sell or give away the previous main home. The Government is not considering further exemptions at this time.