Landlords do not yet know whether they or their tenants would be responsible for paying the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge. Propertymark is calling for the liability rules to be clarified before the charge is introduced.
The proposed surcharge would apply to residential properties in England valued at £2 million or more from April 2028. Fewer than 1% of homes, an estimated 165,000 properties, are expected to fall within its scope.
Propertymark argues that the government has not fully considered the effect on landlords or the supply of high-value homes to rent. The organisation suggests that landlords should not automatically be made liable simply because they own the property, and owners should be allowed to decide who pays, reflecting existing council tax arrangements.
The professional body also highlights difficulties in valuing properties, as many homes worth over £2 million have not changed hands for several years. It warns that online estimates and estate agency appraisals would not be sufficient, and a full inspection by a qualified surveyor would be needed.
Propertymark supports allowing eligible homeowners to defer payments, subject to a review of proposed income and savings thresholds. It also backs exemptions and discounts for specialist accommodation, including purpose-built student housing, care homes, and refuges.