You have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if you buy a property in the UK over a certain price. This is charged on all purchases of houses, flats and other land and buildings.
The SDLT rate depends on:
- The purchase price of the property
- Whether the property is residential
Rates for a single property
You pay stamp duty at these rates if, after buying the property, it is the only residential property you own. You usually pay 3% on top of these rates if you own another residential property.
| Property or lease premium or transfer value |
SDLT rate |
| Up to £250,000 |
Zero |
| The next £675,000 (the portion from £250,001 to £925,000) |
5% |
| The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) |
10% |
| The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) |
12% |
If you're buying your first home
You can claim a discount (relief) if the property you buy is your first home. This means you'll pay:
- no SDLT up to £425,000
- 5% SDLT on the portion from £425,001 to £625,000
You're eligible if you and anyone else you're buying with are first-time buyers.
If the price is over £625,000, you cannot claim the relief. Follow the rules for people who've bought a home before.