Stamp duty - Abolition gives hope to economy

THE Government is to be commended for moving swiftly to honour its pre-election pledge to abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers.

While the Fianna Fáil package is more modest than those promised by other parties, it will bring welcome relief to vendors and those seeking a foothold on the property ladder. They will be relieved to see this issue topping the coalition’s agenda.

Arguably, the main reason for fast-tracking the bill through the Dáil and the Seanad is to restore stability in the property market.