Overview

• Reports from The Times say officials are considering extending NI to rent, with the Treasury declining to confirm and reiterating its promise not to raise main rates of income tax, employee NI or VAT.
• Analysis cited across outlets suggests an NI-style charge equivalent to 8% on net property income would have raised about £2.18bn in 2022–23 from roughly £27bn of rental profits.
• Estimates indicate around 360,000 landlords in the £50,000–£70,000 property income bracket could face roughly £1,000 extra a year if such a levy were adopted.
• Proponents frame the idea as taxing ‘unearned income’ and broadening the base rather than increasing NI rates, echoing a Resolution Foundation proposal backed as a move toward equalising tax treatment of different incomes.
• Landlord groups, housing commentators and some estate agents warn the measure could push owners to sell or pass costs to tenants, potentially reducing rental supply and increasing rents, with Zoopla noting buyers may delay decisions due to tax uncertainty.