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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.

Cyprus Economy Outperforms EU Benchmarks With 4.5% Quarterly Growth

The Cypriot economy recorded an impressive 4.5% year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to preliminary estimates from the Statistical Service. This performance represents a notable acceleration, with a seasonally adjusted quarterly increase of 1.4% compared to the previous period.

Quarterly Performance Surpasses Expectations

Based on Eurostat data, Cyprus has significantly outpaced its European counterparts. While the Eurozone achieved an average growth rate of 1.3% and the European Union registered 1.5%, Cyprus clearly outperformed both. Such robust quarterly performance underlines the nation’s strategic economic positioning amid global market uncertainties.

Full-Year Projections And Fiscal Discipline

For the entire year 2025, growth is forecasted at 3.75%, exceeding earlier predictions from the Ministry of Finance and several domestic and international agencies, which had estimated an increase between 2.9% and 3.5%. This optimistic projection is supported by a low inflation environment and conditions of near-full employment.

Sustainable Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

Despite increased international volatility, Cyprus continues to demonstrate a resilient economic dynamic. Experts assert that a commitment to prudent and disciplined fiscal policies will bolster the nation’s ability to maintain medium-term growth rates above 3%. This strategic approach offers a strong competitive edge, much like other success stories in high-growth markets where sound economic management has proven vital.

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