What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty is the tax charged by the Government when you buy a home of more than £250,000. However, the stamp duty thresholds will be changing so, if you move by 31st March 2025, you could save thousands.

Why do I need to pay it?

When you buy a property the change in land ownership has to be legally registered at the Land Registry. This process requires a certificate from the HMRC – which they will only issue on receipt of the stamp duty due on the purchase of the property.

The transfer of funds to pay the stamp duty will be managed for you by your solicitor.

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Move by 31st March 2025 to save thousands

If you purchase before 31st March 2025: For homes over £250,000 there is no stamp duty to pay on the first £250,000, then the following rates apply:

Purchase Price

Stamp Duty %

£0 to £250,000

0% (Zero)

£250,001 to £925,000

5% 

£925,001 to £1,500,000

10%

Over £1,500,000

12%

If you purchase from 1st April 2025: The threshold for no stamp duty will be lowered. This means for homes over £125,000 there will be no stamp duty to pay on the first £125,000, then the following rates will apply:

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%

What if I'm a first time buyer?

If you purchase before 31st March 2025: If you're a first time buyer, purchasing a home up to £625,000, the following rates apply:

Purchase Price

Stamp Duty %

£0 to £425,000

0% (Zero)

£425,001 to £625,000

5% 

Note: For properties priced over £625,000, no additional first time buyer relief is available.

If you purchase from 1st April 2025: The threshold for no stamp duty will be lowered and the maximum cap will also be lowered. This means, if you're a first time buyer, purchasing a home up to £500,000, the following rates will apply:

Purchase Price

Stamp Duty %

£0 to £300,000

0% (Zero)

£300,001 to £500,000

5% 

Note: For properties priced over £500,000, no additional first time buyer relief will be available.

What if I'm an investor or own more than one property?

If you purchase before 31st March 2025: If you are buying an investment property or an additional home, the following rates apply:

Purchase Price

Stamp Duty %

£0 to £250,000

5%

£250,001 to £925,000

10%

£925,001 to £1,500,000

15%

Over £1,500,000

17%

If you purchase from 1 April 2025: If you are buying an investment property or an additional home, the following rates will apply:

Purchase Price

Stamp Duty %

£0 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%

Buying in Scotland and Wales

Stamp duty in Scotland is referred to as the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and is charged when you buy a home of more than £145,000.

See more detail on LBTT (Scotland)

Stamp duty in Wales is referred to as the Land Transaction Tax (LTT) and is charged when you buy a home of more than £225,000.

See more detail on LTT (Wales)

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Stamp Duty FAQs

  • Yes, stamp duty is a tax charged by the Government when you buy any home in the UK.
  • Stamp duty in Scotland is replaced by the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).

Our offers to help get you moving

Help to Sell

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.

Armed Forces Deposit Contribution

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 spent on the purchase price, plus flooring.

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.

Low Deposit Offers

If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes available to help make moving more affordable. Learn more here.

Part Exchange

We could be your guaranteed buyer, so no stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family. 

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.