The rocky housing market spells bad news for some but great news for others struggling to buy homes.

A shake-up to the controversial capital gains tax rules comes into force today and it could offer a boost to those struggling to haul themselves onto the ladder.

The new law will lower the tax buy-to-let landlords have to pay on increases in the value of their properties when they sell - from 40 per cent to just 18 per cent.

It could mean heavily indebted landlords can now sell up because of the credit squeeze causing a flood of houses to hit the market.

Scores of people could feel the hit as landlords sell up and property prices tumble - but it could serve up an opportunity for others.