Duty to save energy

IF the PDs are serious about significant reform of stamp duty, they should link the amount paid to the energy efficiency rating of the house.

Such energy labelling will become mandatory under EU law for all houses over the next few years.

If a better energy rating meant a lower rate of stamp duty, this would provide another incentive to homeowners to invest in energy-saving measures. Buyers would be attracted not only by the reduced stamp duty but also by the prospect of lower heating bills.

Oisín Coghlan

Director

Friends of the Earth

9 Upper Mount Street

Dublin 2