Will there really be a new property tax - and how would it work?

In this episode of This is Money, the hosts address troubling new proposals that may impact home sellers in the UK. With discussions around capital gains tax potentially extending to primary residences, concerns among homeowners are on the rise. Current proposals include a switch from traditional stamp duty to an annual property tax based on home value, which could provide a more manageable payment scheme for homeowners while potentially leveling out unfair council tax charges.

The episode highlights the disparate nature of house price increases, with the North East experiencing a 7.8% rise compared to a mere 0.8% in London, emphasizing a growing divide in the market. The discussion then shifts towards deep fake technology being exploited in pump and dump scams. These scams deceive investors by using convincing deep fakes of well-known fund managers to promote low-value stocks, leading to significant financial losses.

The hosts also cover the significant currency exchange discrepancies travelers face at airports, revealing that travelers can be shortchanged by as much as €150 on every £500 exchanged. Lists of recommendations for securing better rates and findings from recent investigations into currency exchange practices reveal a lack of transparency from exchange firms. They conclude the episode by discussing tipping practices in different cultures, underscoring the confusion many travelers face regarding when and how much to tip, especially in the US. In light of all these topics, the hosts aim to keep listeners informed on managing their finances better in a complex economic environment.