What is Stamp Duty?
Why do I need to pay Stamp Duty?
Current Stamp Duty rates in England and Northern Ireland
- How much the property or land cost
- If you’re a first-time buyer
- Whether it’s an additional property (like a second home or a buy-to-let investment)
- If you’re eligible for any tax relief or exemptions
Standard property rates
For residential properties, you don’t pay Stamp Duty up to £125,000. These are the current rates as of April 2025:
For example, if you purchase a property for £295,000, the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is calculated as follows:
- 0% on the first £125,000 = £0
- 2% above £125,000 and up to £250,000 = £2,500
- 5% on the final £45,000 = £2,250
- Total SDLT = £4,750
|
Purchase Price |
Stamp Duty % |
|
£0 to £125,000 |
0% (Zero) |
|
£125,001 to £250,000 |
2% |
|
£250,001 to £925,000 |
5% |
|
£925,001 to £1,500,000 |
10% |
| Over £1,500,000 | 12% |
First-time buyer rates
- 0% on the first £300,000 = £0
- 5% on the remaining £200,000 = £10,000
- Total SDLT = £10,000
|
Purchase Price |
Stamp Duty % |
|
Up to £300,000 |
0% |
|
£300,001 - £500,000 |
5% |
| Over £500,000 | Standard rates apply (no relief) |
Additional property rates
If you’re buying an additional property, like a second home or buy-to-let investment, you’ll pay a 5% surcharge on top of the standard rates:
- 5% on the first £125,000 = £6,250
- 7% above £125,000 and up to £250,000 = £8,750
- 10% on the final £50,000 = £5,000
- Total SDLT = £20,000
|
Purchase Price |
Stamp Duty % |
|
Up to £125,000 |
5% |
|
£125,001 to £250,000 |
7% |
|
£250,001 to £925,000 |
10% |
|
£925,001 to £1,500,000 |
15% |
| Over £1,500,000 | 17% |
Stamp Duty in Scotland (LBTT)
Stamp Duty in Wales (LTT)
Stamp Duty FAQs
-
Stamp Duty is applicable on all property and land purchases, including new build homes. The same rates and thresholds apply to existing properties.
-
Stamp Duty is calculated on a tiered basis, meaning you pay different percentages for different portions of the property price.
-
The buyer is responsible for paying Stamp Duty, not the seller. Your solicitor or conveyancer will usually handle this process for you.
-
Stamp Duty must be paid within 14 days of completion of the property purchase.
-
Certain transfers may be exempt from Stamp Duty, like property transfers following a divorce or death, or properties below the threshold value.
Our offers to help get you moving
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If you’re looking to start your next adventure, but are worried about the hassle of moving, we have a range of schemes available to help you sell your existing home.
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We're offering Britain's military servicemen and women a 5% deposit contribution to help them buy a brand-new home.
Key Worker Deposit Contribution
As a thank you for the support provided to our communities, we are offering key workers a contribution of £1,000 for every £20,000 up to £15,000.
Own New - Rate Reducer
Own New - Rate Reducer is a scheme available on new build homes that could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments.
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If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes available to help make moving more affordable. Learn more here.
Part Exchange
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Parent Power
If you’re getting financial support from your family or friends to help you get on the property ladder, we could match it, up to a maximum of 5% of the purchase price.
