Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) Update

Among the recently announced package of fiscal measures introduced by the Government as part of Budget 2024 was a 12-month deferral of the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT). The tax liability, which was due to be paid by landowners as and from 1st February 2024, will not now fall due until February 2025. The RZLT equates to an annual liability equal to 3% of the market value of land which is deemed suitable for residential development.

While the 12-month deferral will no doubt be a welcome development by liable landowners they will face a choice as to the future prospects for their property. Among others, the Bannon Development Land Team has identified three fundamental options open to impacted landowners:

1. Dispose of the land

2. Seek a re-zoning of the land via the Local Authority

3. Undertake residential development.

Under the third option, the RZLT liability will only cease to accrue when completed residential units are delivered and will continue to be incurred during the construction phase.

While the option to seek a re-zoning from residential uses will ultimately result in the tax liability being removed it will also result in a significant diminution in the value of the land. This may not be such an issue for certain owners such as farmers whose primary interest is working the land. However, the vast majority of landowners may be very reluctant to actively seek to diminish the value of their property via rezoning.

Whatever the ultimate course of action it is clear that a lot of important decisions will need to be made by landowners impacted by RZLT in 2024. If this impacts you, talk to the team today to start planning your strategy early.

 

Author:             Niall Brereton, Director, Bannon

Date:                  14th November 2023