Buying

Stamp Duty Land Tax Explained

admin 18 Apr 2026 2 min read

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is one of the largest upfront costs when buying a home in England. Understanding how it’s calculated helps you budget accurately.

How Stamp Duty is calculated

SDLT is charged in bands, meaning you pay a different rate on each portion of the purchase price rather than a single rate on the whole amount.

First-time buyer relief

First-time buyers benefit from relief on purchases up to a set threshold, which can significantly reduce or remove the bill on a first home.

Relief applies only if all buyers are first-time buyers
The property must be your main residence
There is an upper price limit for the relief

Second homes and buy-to-let

Additional properties usually attract a surcharge on top of the standard rates, so investors and second-home buyers should budget carefully.

Tip: Always confirm the current thresholds with your solicitor, as rates and reliefs can change in fiscal announcements.

Frequently asked questions

When do I pay Stamp Duty?

SDLT must usually be paid within 14 days of completion, and your solicitor normally handles the payment.

Do first-time buyers pay Stamp Duty?

First-time buyers often pay reduced or no SDLT up to a threshold, with standard rates applying above it.

Is there extra Stamp Duty on a second home?

Yes, an additional surcharge typically applies to second homes and buy-to-let purchases.

Final thoughts

Factor Stamp Duty into your budget from the start and speak to a solicitor to confirm the exact amount for your purchase.