Frequently Asked Questions
What is UK stamp duty (SDLT)?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax paid by the buyer when purchasing a residential or non-residential property in England or Northern Ireland. It is charged as a percentage of the purchase price, with the rate rising in bands. Scotland uses a separate tax (LBTT) and Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT).
When do you pay stamp duty?
SDLT must be paid to HMRC within 14 days of the property completion date. In practice, your solicitor or conveyancer files the return and pays the tax on your behalf as part of the completion process.
Is there stamp duty for first-time buyers?
First-time buyers pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of a property priced at £500,000 or less, and 5% on any amount between £300,000 and £500,000. If the property costs more than £500,000, first-time buyer relief does not apply and the standard rates are used instead.
Do I pay extra stamp duty on a second home?
Yes. Buying an additional property — a second home or buy-to-let — adds a 5% surcharge to every SDLT band, including the £0–£125,000 band that is normally tax-free. The surcharge has been 5% since 31 October 2024.
Does this calculator cover Scotland or Wales?
No. This calculator covers SDLT in England and Northern Ireland only. Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT), both of which have different bands and rules. See gov.scot/lbtt and gov.wales/land-transaction-tax for those.