Why a Budget inheritance tax clampdown could be bad for the property market

Chancellor Rachel Reeves could target inheritance tax in her efforts to balance the books during her Budget next month. But could changes stifle Labour’s housing policies?

model of person sitting outside house
(Image credit: Getty Images/Aitor Diago)

Wealthy families are bracing themselves for inheritance tax (IHT) changes in the government's Budget next month.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned of tax rises in her October Budget to address a £22 billion public finances shortfall and IHT could be a target. It comes as increasing numbers of estates have already started falling into to the IHT trap due to frozen tax thresholds, higher house prices and rising asset values.

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Marc Shoffman
Contributing editor

Marc Shoffman is an award-winning freelance journalist specialising in business, personal finance and property. His work has appeared in print and online publications ranging from FT Business to The Times, Mail on Sunday and the i newspaper. He also co-presents the In For A Penny financial planning podcast.