Stamp duty thresholds for homebuyers
Last reviewed: 30 June 2026
In England and Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is charged above a nil-rate band of £125,000. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000, with the relief available on purchases up to £500,000. These thresholds have applied since the temporary higher ones ended in April 2025. Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) have their own separate systems. This is information, not tax advice: use the official calculator for your figure.
Not tax advice. Thresholds and surcharges change with government policy. Always confirm the current figures and calculate your own liability using the official gov.uk SDLT calculator (or Revenue Scotland / the Welsh Revenue Authority).
Current SDLT thresholds (England and Northern Ireland)
| Buyer | Pay nothing up to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard residential | £125,000 (nil-rate band) | Standard rates apply above the band |
| First-time buyer | £300,000 | Relief available on purchases up to £500,000 |
| Additional property | Surcharge applies | Higher-rate SDLT on second homes and buy-to-let; check the current rate |
Current thresholds in force since April 2025. The full band percentages and any surcharge are on gov.uk; use the calculator for the exact amount.
Scotland and Wales are different
Stamp duty in the form of SDLT only applies in England and Northern Ireland. If you are buying in Scotland, the tax is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), administered by Revenue Scotland. In Wales it is Land Transaction Tax (LTT), administered by the Welsh Revenue Authority. Both have their own thresholds and bands, so use the calculator for the nation you are buying in.
How it fits your budget
Stamp duty is a cost on top of your deposit, so budget for it separately. It is not part of your mortgage, but it affects how much cash you need to complete. Work out the figure for your own purchase with our stamp duty calculator, and for the deposit side, see how much deposit you need.
Common questions
What are the current stamp duty thresholds?
In England and Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) starts above a nil-rate band of £125,000. First-time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000, with that relief available on purchases up to £500,000. These thresholds have applied since the temporary higher thresholds ended in April 2025. Use the official gov.uk calculator for the exact amount on your purchase.
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
First-time buyers pay no SDLT up to £300,000 and a reduced amount on the portion above that, provided the purchase price is no more than £500,000. Above £500,000, first-time-buyer relief does not apply and standard rates are used instead.
Is there extra stamp duty on a second property?
Yes. Buying an additional residential property, such as a second home or a buy-to-let, usually attracts a higher-rate SDLT surcharge on top of the standard rates. Check the current surcharge on gov.uk, as it changes over time.
Are Scotland and Wales the same?
No. Stamp Duty Land Tax applies in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), and Wales has Land Transaction Tax (LTT), each with different bands and thresholds set by their own authorities. Use the relevant nation's calculator.
Founder, MortgageExplained, MortgageExplained
Adam spent nearly a decade as a mortgage adviser at Just Mortgages, with further experience in commercial finance. He is CeMAP and CF qualified. He built MortgageExplained to do one thing well: explain mortgages in plain English, then introduce you to a regulated broker when you are ready. Every page is written and reviewed by Adam.
Last reviewed: 30 June 2026