Buying a home in England or Northern Ireland? Here's a clear guide to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) — what it is, the thresholds, and how much you might pay.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax you pay when you buy a property or land over a certain price in England and Northern Ireland. The amount depends on the purchase price, whether you are a first-time buyer, and whether you already own another property.
Like income tax, SDLT is charged in bands — each rate applies only to the portion of the price within that band. The figures below are standard residential rates for a main home:
| Portion of property price | SDLT rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% |
| £925,001 – £1.5 million | 10% |
| Above £1.5 million | 12% |
First-time buyers usually pay no Stamp Duty on properties up to a higher threshold, with reduced rates above it up to a cap. This can save thousands, so it's worth checking whether you qualify before budgeting for a purchase.
If you're buying an additional property — such as a second home or a buy-to-let — a surcharge typically applies on top of the standard rates. This makes SDLT noticeably higher on those purchases.
On a £300,000 home as your main residence: you pay 0% on the first £125,000, 2% on the next £125,000 (£2,500), and 5% on the final £50,000 (£2,500) — roughly £5,000 in total.
▶ Use the free UK Stamp Duty Calculator