1) Some people have high incomes and low liquid capital/savings after paying a deposit. (So could afford to service two mortgages temporarily but don't have the stamp duty to lay down then reclaim.) They may not be poor either, they may simply have a lot of equity in property 1 that isn't liquid.
2) Others may choose to rent out their old property for a year or so until they are in a better position to sell. This does not really make them rich landlords to target with extra tax and they'll get it back anyway, but they may not have the capital as in option 1.
I would think at least #2 would be exactly the type of target this second home tax is aimed at. And those that fall under #1 should probably not move prior to selling the first home.
1) Some people have high incomes and low liquid capital/savings after paying a deposit. (So could afford to service two mortgages temporarily but don't have the stamp duty to lay down then reclaim.) They may not be poor either, they may simply have a lot of equity in property 1 that isn't liquid.
2) Others may choose to rent out their old property for a year or so until they are in a better position to sell. This does not really make them rich landlords to target with extra tax and they'll get it back anyway, but they may not have the capital as in option 1.