In a week when the Conservatives pledged to scrap Stamp Duty on primary homes, a leading Tory activist is warning Labour to leave landlords alone.

Kimberley Harmer, who is a landlord with three properties, says the Government should beware of “punishing” small landlords as the consequences will be dire for tenants.

Writing on leading Tory website ConservativeHome, she says that Chancellor Rachel Reeves (main picture) must not increase tax on landlords in her Budget next month.

Labour’s Rachel Reeves’ proposed policies threaten to push us out of the rental market entirely.”

“Rising interest rates have already stretched our finances, and now Labour’s Rachel Reeves’ proposed policies threaten to push us out of the rental market entirely.

“National Insurance on rental income, potentially at 8 per cent, combined with heavier compliance requirements under the Renters’ Rights Bill and further changes to stamp duty, could make holding our homes financially unsustainable,” she warns.

Forced sale

Harmer, who is a senior caseworker for Charlie Dewhirst MP in East Yorkshire and chairs a youth charity, says increased tax may force her to sell her properties and her family to downsize.

Her properties are mortgaged, and she adds: “After my mother’s passing, we used our inheritance to support these families while creating a nest egg for our children’s future.

“As a small family landlord owning just three properties, my journey into property management was driven by a desire to provide stable homes for friends and families on low wages, families who would otherwise struggle to find accommodation.

Punishing small landlords with higher taxes and heavier regulation does not solve the housing crisis.”

“Our goal has never been profit; we simply want to provide secure homes while planning for the next generation,” she says.

“Small landlords like us are helping Britain’s families today while securing a future for our children. We must not tax them out of existence tomorrow.

“Punishing small landlords with higher taxes and heavier regulation does not solve the housing crisis; it exacerbates it.”

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