Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has put forward proposals for a land tax that critics warn could be highly controversial, with analysis suggesting the policy could reduce house prices by as much as 20 per cent in some parts of southern England. The plans are likely to prove divisive given the scale of the potential impact on property values in a region where house prices are typically far higher than in the north of the country.

The proposal centres on taxing land rather than existing property levies, a change that could significantly alter the economics of home ownership in areas with high land values, particularly across the South. Given the scale of the projected price falls in certain southern areas, the plans are likely to face strong opposition from homeowners and property groups, while supporters may argue such a tax could help address regional wealth disparities and improve housing affordability elsewhere.