We face paying £9,000 tax even though our second home is in a war zone
Summary
A Ukrainian refugee in Scotland and her partner withdrew an offer on a home after learning she could face a £9,000 property tax charge because she still owns a flat in Kyiv. Scotland’s Additional Dwelling Supplement applies to buyers who own another property, including overseas, and the couple are waiting while officials review their case.Key Facts
- Kateryna Stepanovych bought a flat in Kyiv in 2018 and fled Ukraine in 2023 after Russia’s invasion.
- Shrapnel damaged the exterior of her apartment building in a 2023 attack, but her flat was not damaged.
- The couple learned about the potential charge while arranging to buy a home in North Ayrshire.
- Scotland’s Additional Dwelling Supplement can add an 8% charge when a buyer owns another property, including one overseas.
- The couple withdrew their offer because they could not afford the additional cost.
- Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said the law does not let the Scottish government or Revenue Scotland waive the charge on a case-by-case basis.
- First Minister John Swinney said he would ask Revenue Scotland to investigate the couple’s case.
- The couple are considering renting and delaying their plans to buy.
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