Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?

In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no SDLT on properties up to £300,000 and a reduced rate of 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. If the property costs more than £500,000, standard rates apply. Scotland and Wales have their own first-time buyer relief schemes with different thresholds.

When do I pay stamp duty?

Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of completing your property purchase. Your solicitor or conveyancer typically handles the payment and filing on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process.

What is the additional property surcharge?

From April 2025, anyone buying an additional residential property (e.g. a second home or buy-to-let) pays a 5% surcharge on top of the standard stamp duty rates. This applies to the entire purchase price, not just the amount above a threshold.

How does stamp duty differ in Scotland and Wales?

Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) with its own rate bands and thresholds. Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT). Both have different rates, first-time buyer relief schemes, and additional property surcharges compared to England.

Stamp Duty Calculator

Calculate SDLT, LBTT, or LTT for any UK property purchase. Supports first-time buyers, home movers, and additional properties with 2025/26 rates.

How UK stamp duty works

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax paid when purchasing property in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), while Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT). Each system has different rates and thresholds.

Stamp duty is calculated on a tiered basis — you only pay the higher rate on the portion of the price that falls within each band, similar to income tax. For 2025/26, first-time buyers in England and NI pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of properties up to £500,000.

Buyers purchasing an additional property (such as a buy-to-let or second home) pay a 5% surcharge on top of the standard rates. This applies from April 2025 to all UK nations.

Stamp duty and solicitors fees combined

Stamp duty and solicitor fees are the two largest upfront costs after your deposit. Together, they typically account for 60–80% of your non-deposit buying costs. For a £300,000 property, a home mover pays £5,000 in stamp duty plus £1,000–£2,000 in solicitor fees — totalling £6,000–£7,000 before survey, mortgage, or moving costs.

For a full picture of all buying costs (not just stamp duty), use our house buying costs calculator which includes solicitor fees, surveys, and more. Or read our complete stamp duty guide for detailed rate tables and examples.

SDLT rates for 2025/26

Band	Standard rate	First-time buyer	Additional property
Up to £125,000	0%	0%	5%
£125,001–£250,000	2%	0%	7%
£250,001–£300,000	5%	0%	10%
£300,001–£500,000	5%	5%	10%
£500,001–£925,000	5%	5% (standard)	10%
£925,001–£1,500,000	10%	10% (standard)	15%
Over £1,500,000	12%	12% (standard)	17%

First-time buyer rates apply to purchases up to £500,000. Above £500,000, standard rates apply.

Frequently asked questions

Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?: In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no SDLT on properties up to £300,000 and a reduced rate of 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. If the property costs more than £500,000, standard rates apply. Scotland and Wales have their own first-time buyer relief schemes with different thresholds.
When do I pay stamp duty?: Stamp duty must be paid within 14 days of completing your property purchase. Your solicitor or conveyancer typically handles the payment and filing on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process.
What is the additional property surcharge?: From April 2025, anyone buying an additional residential property (e.g. a second home or buy-to-let) pays a 5% surcharge on top of the standard stamp duty rates. This applies to the entire purchase price, not just the amount above a threshold.
How does stamp duty differ in Scotland and Wales?: Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) with its own rate bands and thresholds. Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT). Both have different rates, first-time buyer relief schemes, and additional property surcharges compared to England.

Stamp duty is just one cost

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