Property Transfer Fees Refund

[The Bear]

Given that purchases between 02 Dec '11 and 31 Dec '16 benefit from reduced transfer fees "regardless of when the transfer takes place" and that, in Aug '14, the Interior Minister publicly asserted that legislated reduction would have retroactive effect, how does one set about claiming a refund? What mechanism exists?

Is it clear whether any retroactive effect covers the whole period regardless of when the transfer occurred or might it apply only to those who responded to the urgings of the Minister to not delay transfers and dutifully coughed up the cash subsequent to his public statement?

Alternatively, has it all gone horribly quiet with no official mention of refunds since Mr Hasikos gave his assurances and no real prospect of a refund for anyone - not even for anyone who was gullible enough to be misled by the public pronouncements of the Minister? I idly wonder if there might be any form of redress available in either circumstance (i.e. pre or post the Minister's announcement).

I've a strong suspicion that my questions may be pretty much rhetorical and that I probably have a pretty good idea of the likely answers but any information or opinions would be welcome.

[Nigel Howarth]

Hello The Bear and welcome to the forum.

It has indeed gone horribly quiet - no further announcements about refunds. As for an opinion:

Q. How can you tell when a politician is telling porkies?

A. His lips move.

Regards,