In what is being seen as the most outspoken criticism of the business rates system so far, more than 100 of the country’s biggest companies have condemned the tax as a “critical problem” to recovery and future investment. Demanding that all the... Read More
Despite the current business rates system being declared “unfit for purpose” the Government has decided to reject the latest calls for reform by MPs on the Business Select Committee. The body had recommended that the Government scrap the unpopular... Read More
Recently the prime minister hinted that business rates reform may be on the way as the momentum for change gathers momentum. Last week Lambert Smith Hampton responded to this by publishing a set of proposals that it would like to see included in any future... Read More
In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor extended business rates relief to small businesses and yesterday it was announced that businesses hit by the UK floods will be eligible for rates relief for a period of three months. While these moves are welcome, many... Read More
With property prices falling by 32 per cent since 2010, Greece has now reduced its tax on the sale of properties to just three per cent. Previously anyone buying a commercial or domestic property in Greece had to pay eight per cent on the first €20,000 of... Read More
The Chinese government has confirmed it may well extend its planned property register to include commercial real estate as a way of cracking down on fraud and internal corruption. Tracking property ownership and keeping a record of sales is seen as one... Read More
A new property register for Malta would level the commercial playing field and close a tax loophole, according to supporters of the online database. If it receives government approval the Mediterranean island should see its Property Market Value Index... Read More
A US congressman is pressuring Washington to repeal a law which forces foreign real estate investors to pay up to 35 per cent of a building’s sale price to the Inland Revenue Service (IRS). Republican Kevin Brady claims scrapping the 33-year-old tax... Read More
Newly-elected California assembly member Rob Bonata has introduced a bill that will allow Alameda school districts to set different rates for residential and commercial properties. If passed it will nullify a state Appeals Court ruling in December... Read More