Stamp Duty Land Tax in England and Northern Ireland
What is stamp duty?
When you buy a residential property in England and Northern Ireland over a certain price you have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
The tax is paid to the government within 14 days of completion of the sale via an SDLT return to HMRC. If you have a solicitor, estate agent or conveyancer, they’ll usually file your return and pay the tax on your behalf on the day of completion and add the amount to their fees. They’ll also claim any relief you’re eligible for, such as if you’re a first-time buyer. You can also file the return and pay the tax yourself if you wish to do so.
Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to calculate how much stamp duty you could pay depending on your reason for purchasing the property and its value.
If you're buying in Scotland you will pay a Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.
First-time buyers will only pay SDLT on homes over £425,000, up from £300,000. First-time buyers' relief is available on properties up to £625,000, up from £500,000.
If buying a new residential property means you'll own more than one, from 31st October 2024 you’ll usually have to pay 5% on top of the single property SDLT rates as detailed below.
YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
RSC and Mortgages First usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances but will range from £295 to £495 and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.