Flipping the Green Switch

The residential sector is proportionally the highest contributor to built environment emissions, a sector which is itself is responsible for almost half of national emissions. Accordingly, policies to limit emissions from residential buildings have been implemented in recent years. Nevertheless, the actual number of residential retrofits remains stubbornly below national targets. household segment of the housing market. This paper presents a policy proposal to defer stamp duty on properties that have been purchased with the sole purpose of refurbishment. The aim of the proposal is to tap into the non-household segment of the market by incentivising a 'green flipping' business model, thereby creating an additional source of retrofit. The merit of the proposal is assessed under several headings, and its potential broader impact on the housing market is discussed.