Joel James MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central, has this week opened the Welsh Conservatives' debate on land transaction tax.
The Member highlighted that we have to be honest about the reality facing far too many people in Wales today - too many people are living in homes that simply don't suit their needs anymore, and they stay in these homes not because they want to, but because moving has become too difficult, too expensive and, frankly, too daunting.
Joel continued by stating:
Evidence shows that if we remove these barriers, things start to move again—literally. Research looking at the equivalent tax in England suggests that scrapping property transaction tax could increase home owner mobility by more than 50 per cent. That means tens of thousands more homes coming on to the market every year, it unlocks properties that are currently stuck, boosts resale activity, and encourages new homes to be built as well.
The Member also highlighted how transaction taxes act like sand in the gears of the housing system. They discourage turnover and trap people in homes that no longer work for them. Remove that friction and you free up supply. Developers have more confidence to build, people are more willing to move, and the wider economy benefits.
Speaking for his party, Joel also acknowledged how we have to be realistic. He explained that abolishing land transaction tax wouldn't fix every affordability problem, but it would remove one of the biggest cash-flow hurdles people face when trying to move. Beyond the economics, the system itself breeds resentment and confusion. People don't just dislike paying the tax - they often struggle to understand it.
Joel also stated:
Land transaction tax relies on self-assessment, multiple reliefs and intricate rules that are easy to get wrong and costly to challenge. Scrapping it would simplify the tax system, reduce disputes and administrative costs, and make buying and selling a home far more transparent and predictable for ordinary people.
Closing his remarks, Joel said:
When you put it all together, the picture is clear: land transaction tax doesn't just raise revenue, it shapes behaviour, and right now it's encouraging people to stay where they are. Removing it would help create a housing market that works better for the people of Wales at every stage and help create an economy that's more dynamic, more productive and fairer as a result.
Speaking outside the Chamber, Joel said:
I was really proud to lead the Welsh Conservatives debate in the Welsh Parliament - calling for Land Transaction Tax to be scrapped in Wales.
We're the only Party offering hope and change for the residents of Wales - with clear, ambitious and much needed policies.
In May, let's finally show Welsh Labour and their enablers Plaid Cymru the door.
