In this episode of Listen Without Prejudice, Charlie Davidson, Senior Associate at Bishop & Sewell, is joined by Sean Randall, widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading experts on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Together, they delve into one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood areas of property law and taxation.

The conversation begins with the Angela Rayner stamp duty controversy, exploring how a complex trust arrangement led to unexpected tax consequences and what it reveals about the intricacies of SDLT. From there, Sean and Charlie unpack the increasing complexity of stamp duty, the rise of stamp duty reclaim agents, and the grey areas around chattels and uninhabitable property claims.

They also discuss ongoing calls for stamp duty reform, including proposals to replace it with a property ownership tax or merge it with council tax and assess the potential political and economic fallout of such changes. The episode concludes with a look at the Nigel Farage property story, illustrating how public scrutiny intersects with private ownership and tax law.

Whether you’re a property professional, investor, or simply curious about one of the UK’s most contentious taxes, this episode offers expert clarity, practical advice, and a candid glimpse into the evolving world of property taxation.

Chapter Markers:

(01:15) – The Angela Rayner controversy explained

(04:00) – Why stamp duty has become so complicated

(09:00) – Stamp duty reclaim agents: risk or reward?

(19:45) – Should we abolish stamp duty altogether?

(22:00) – Proposals for reform: council tax integration and annual property taxes

(27:15) – The politics of stamp duty: lessons from history

(32:45) – Sean’s golden rule: trust your conveyancer

Useful Links:

Connect with Sean Randall on LinkedIn or via email: [email protected]

Reach out to Charlie Davidson on LinkedIn

Visit the Bishop & Sewell Website