‘Snitch clause’ to catch property tax cheats

Homebuyers will have to inform on sellers who cheated their way to a lower household charge under new tax rules.

Under the rules, buyers will be obliged to tell Revenue if the previous owners put a dwelling in a band clearly lower than the selling price.

Offending vendors will be fined €500 if they refuse to reveal their band declaration to buyers in a move that provoked fears about a further depression of the property market.