HomeOwners Alliance Christmas Wish List
Dear George Osborne, This time last year we were grumbling at the absence of housing in the Autumn budget. We were hoping that you were going to be more generous this year but alas, you’ve missed a massive opportunity to help existing and aspiring homeowners. We aren’t asking for hand-outs, just a fair deal. All we want for Christmas is….1. a cut in stamp duty for homeowners
paid for by increasing it for property speculators, buy-to-let landlords and second home buyers. Read more >>>
2. cheaper energy bills
by changing the green levies which the Big 6 complain are partly the reason for our rising energy bills. But don’t let them off – we want energy efficient homes too. We’re sure they have enough profits to do both. In the meantime we plan to read top tips to get your heating working for you >>> and check out the alternative suppliers to the Big 6 companies >>>
3. more quality housing
by introducing a Help to Build scheme. Help to Buy is a welcome policy but without more housing you risk denying a generation the chance of owning a home. In the meantime, we’ll be continuing to save for that deposit using these top tips >>>
4. a cut in VAT on extensions, home improvements and repairs
because with stamp duty what it is, many of us can’t afford to move, so have to improve. Please don’t make this option prohibitive by taxing us a whopping 20%. House builders are charged 5% to build new homes – spread the love to homeowners too. Read more about our cut the VAT campaign >>>

December 2013
Read more
- ‘We don’t want to be generation rent’ – a first time buyer’s perspective
- Help to Buy – a pessimistic first time buyer’s perspective
- Help to Buy – an optimistic first time buyer’s viewpoint
- Second Stepper Blog Part 1: Decision time
- Mates mortgages and other mortgage innovations
- How the government can help you buy a home: Help to Buy (Equity Loan scheme)
- Mortgages made simple
- Do I need a mortgage broker?
- How do I choose a new area to live in?
- Top Tips – things not to forget when viewing a property
- How do I know I’m not paying too much?
- Making an offer – and haggling over the price
- Buying with a partner or friend – what to watch for
- Leasehold v Freehold – what’s the difference?
- The legal side of buying a home explained
- Should I do my conveyancing online?
- How do I exchange contracts?