Frequently asked questions
How much is stamp duty in 2026?
For your main home you pay 0% up to £125,000, 2% on £125,001–£250,000, 5% on £250,001–£925,000, 10% on £925,001–£1.5m and 12% above £1.5m. SDLT is a slice tax — each rate applies only to the portion of the price within that band.
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
First-time buyers pay no SDLT up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000. If the price is over £500,000 the relief is not available and standard rates apply to the whole amount.
What is the second-home / additional-property surcharge?
Buying an additional residential property adds 5% on top of every standard band (rates become 5/7/10/15/17%). This higher rate has applied since 31 October 2024 and only where the price is £40,000 or more.
What is the non-resident surcharge?
Non-UK residents pay an extra 2% on top of the standard (and, where relevant, additional-property) rates. It has applied since 1 April 2021. You count as UK resident if present in the UK for at least 183 days in the 12 months ending on the purchase date.
Does this apply in Scotland or Wales?
No. SDLT applies in England and Northern Ireland only. Scotland charges Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and Wales charges Land Transaction Tax (LTT), which have different bands.
When do I pay stamp duty?
You must file an SDLT return and pay within 14 days of completion. In practice your solicitor or conveyancer usually handles this for you.