What is a Stamp duty?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax levied on the buyer of residential property in the UK. A stamp duty holiday was in effect from 8 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, with stamp duty payable on purchases above £500,000. The threshold reduced to £250,000 from 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021 and will be reduced to £125,000 from 1 October 2021. Stamp duty rates vary between 2% and 12% of the purchase price, depending on the value of the property purchased, the date of acquisition, and whether you are multiple homeowners.
Each threshold band will be subject to a 3% surcharge for those purchasing an additional residential property. If you are a landlord who is buying to let, you will be required to pay SDLT if the income from a short term property let (up to seven years), residential tenancy, or lease above the threshold.
From 1 April 2021, the rates mentioned below include a 2% extra for non-UK residents.
Applicable tax rates on Residential Purchases
England and Northern Ireland Stamp Duty Land Tax Rates:
Rates from 1 October 2021
Property or lease premium or transfer value | SDLT Rate |
---|---|
Up to £125,000 | 0% |
£125,001 to £250,000 | 2% |
£250,001 to £925,000 | 5% |
£925,001 to £1.5 million | 10% |
above£1.5 million | 12% |
Also See: SDLT changes for mixed-use buildings
Rates from 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021
Property or lease premium or transfer value | SDLT Rate |
---|---|
Up to £250,000 | 0% |
£250,001 to £925,000 | 5% |
£925,001 to £1.5 million | 10% |
above £1.5 million | 12% |
Rates until 30 June 2021
Property or lease premium or transfer value | SDLT Rate |
---|---|
Up to £500,000 | 0% |
£500,001 to £925,000 | 5% |
£925,001 to £1.5 million | 10% |
above £1.5 million | 12% |
If this is your first home purchase
If you buy your first home after 1 July 2021, you may be eligible for a discount (relief). This means that you will be required to pay the following:
- There is no SDLT on purchases up to £300,000
- 5% SDLT on the amount between £300,001 and £500,000
You qualify if you and any other buyers you are buying with are first-time buyers. If the purchase price exceeds £500,000, you must follow the rules for previous property buyers.
Additional property purchases
Generally, those purchasing additional properties must pay a 3% surcharge on above mentioned SDLT rates. Additional properties in the nil rate category will have an effective rate of 3%.
If a buyer is purchasing a property as their main residence and has not sold their previous property on the day of the purchase, they will be required to pay the surcharge.
At dns, we have a specialist tax team that can advise you on SDLT rate bands. Book a free consultation now to know more about SDLT rates. You can call us on 03300 886 686 or email enquiry@dnsaccountants.co.uk.
Any questions? Schedule a call with one of our experts.