HC Deb 29 October 1981 vol 10 c404W

Mr. Adley asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of domestic property transactions were eligible for payment of stamp duty by individual purchasers in 1980; and what was the relevant percentage in 1950, 1960 and 1970.

Mr. Ridley [pursuant to his reply 28 October 1981]: All such transactions were liable to stamp duty until 1958. After that date, no information is available on the percentage of all purchases of residential property by individuals that were liable. However, the following estimates for England and Wales are available. They relate to the number of properties sold taking (a) all residential property—irrespective of the status of the purchaser—and (b) all purchases by individuals—irrespective of the type of property. Corresponding information for years between 1958 and 1973 is not available.

Percentage of sales of property liable to stamp duty Sales of residential

property Purchases of all

types of property by

individuals October 1973 33 Not available October 1974 13 Not available November 1975 16 Not available November 1976 17 Not available November 1977 23 Not available November 1978 37 37 November 1979 58 58 November 1980 35 34