Sir, – I cannot agree more with the sentiments expressed by Aoife Walsh (July 26th). I too find myself in the role of being both a reluctant landlord and tenant, liable for what is commonly known as “the second home tax”, but in reality my family are effectively in the situation of having no permanent home. We bought our city centre apartment as young carefree singles and seven years on, it is steeped in over 50 per cent negative equity and unsuitable for our growing family. Unable to sell, but needing to move, we luckily found tenants, and are currently renting a more suitable family home for ourselves (on just a 12-month lease).
However, under the non-principal private residence charge we now have an “investment property” (worst investment ever) and are liable for a tax that in our minds is completely unjust. It is a classic case of closing the farm gate after the horse has bolted: penalising people who are just doing their best to both manage their mortgage repayments, rent and the needs of their family. I pay my taxes, I paid the household charge, but I am loathed to pay a tax on “a second home” that I do not have. – Yours, etc,