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Britain Introduces Annual Home Surcharge for Properties Over £2 Million

Britain is set to implement a new, recurring annual tax on luxury homes valued at more than £2 million. The measure, outlined by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), is projected to generate an additional £0.4 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2029-30 ahead of the finance minister’s budget announcement.

Overview Of The New Surcharge

The annual surcharge, effective from April 2028, targets homeowners with properties exceeding the £2 million threshold as assessed by the Valuation Office in 2026 prices. This new charge will be imposed in addition to existing local taxes, further enhancing the government’s revenue stream while addressing disparities in housing wealth.

Structured Pricing And Inflation Adjustments

The policy introduces four tax bands, where the surcharge starts at £2,500 for properties in the lowest band (just over £2 million) and escalates to £7,500 for homes valued at £5 million or more. Importantly, these thresholds and charges will be adjusted annually in line with consumer price inflation, ensuring the measure remains proportionate over time.

Implications For The Property Market

This strategic fiscal policy reflects the government’s commitment to recalibrating the housing market and redistributing tax burdens. By imposing a higher levy on premium properties, authorities aim to foster a more balanced taxation framework while potentially curbing speculative investments in the high-end property segment.

As stakeholders prepare for the implementation of the surcharge, industry observers will be keenly watching its impact on the luxury housing market and broader economic dynamics.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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