Modern tribes: the mansion tax protester

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jan/24/modern-tribes-mansion-tax-protester

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You’re from Labour? Well, just forget it – I’m amazed you’ve got the nerve. Why do you think? Yes, thank you, I did know we’re still probably around £200,000 or £300,000 off £2m, but how long does that give this road before the Russians move in? Another year or two max. And we’re already making sacrifices. OK, first off, a new kitchen and basement, nothing special, we just wanted more light, plus a basic gym-cum-cinema, and wet room with external access to a hot tub, and Moroccan-themed barbecue pit. So the architect’s plans were all approved, and thanks to your tax we don’t dare go ahead because it will add value – well, that was the idea, obviously – and even then we’re not safe. What if the local school suddenly becomes outstanding? That’s got to be a £50,000 rise straight off. Then a famous alternative comedian moves in next door – you can’t rule it out these days – and ever since I read about that Broadchurch chalet, we’ve been lying awake, worrying that someone will film a cult murder mystery next door. A 25% uplift, wasn’t it? We’d be finished. But it’s the people sitting on £1.95m that I feel really sorry for. Just a slightly unusual shrub, or a woodburning stove, could push their property over the edge when their only crime is to have paid over the odds for an ordinary semi that tripled in price – excuse me, all the semis round here have five bedrooms.

Well, even if we don’t have to move out right away, we’ll be retired in 10 years, then how do we pay? You’ll haemorrhage support, look at Joan Bakewell, thousands of poor pensioners are stranded – through no fault of their own – in massive houses worth a fortune. Why on Earth should they have to choose between poverty and eviction when Scottish people are all living in castles? And soon you won’t be able to find a shed round here for less than £2m. It’s thanks to your party that communities like this one are literally living in fear.