You pay SDLT at these rates if, after buying the property, it is the only residential property you own. You usually pay 5% on top of these rates if you own another residential property.
Rates up to 31 March 2025
| Property or lease premium or transfer value |
SDLT rate |
| Up to £250,000 |
Zero |
| The next £675,000 (the portion from £250,001 to £925,000) |
5% |
| The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) |
10% |
| The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) |
12% |
Example - In October 2024 you buy a house for £295,000. The SDLT you owe will be calculated as follows:
- 0% on the first £250,000 = £0
- 5% on the final £45,000 = £2,250
- Total SDLT = £2,250
Rates from 1 April 2025
| Property or lease premium or transfer value |
SDLT rate |
| Up to £125,000 |
Zero |
| The next £125,000 (the portion from £125,001 to £250,000) |
2% |
| The next £675,000 (the portion from £250,001 to £925,000) |
5% |
| The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million) |
10% |
| The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million) |
12% |
Example - In April 2025 you buy a house for £295,000. The SDLT you owe will be calculated as follows:
- 0% on the first £125,000 = £0
- 2% on the second £125,000 = £2,500
- 5% on the final £45,000 = £2,250
- Total SDLT = £4,750
When you buy a new residential leasehold property you pay SDLT on the purchase price of the lease (the ‘lease premium’) using the rates above.
If the total rent over the life of the lease (known as the ‘net present value’) is more than the SDLT threshold (currently £250,000), you’ll pay SDLT at 1% on the portion over £250,000.
From 1 April 2025 the SDLT threshold will change to £125,000.
This does not apply to existing (‘assigned’) leases.
You can claim a discount (relief) if the property you buy is your first home. You’re eligible if you, and anyone else you’re buying with are first-time buyers.
The discount you can claim depends on when you purchase the property.
Discount up to 31 March 2025
You’ll pay:
- No SDLT up to £425,000
- 5% SDLT on the portion from £425,001 to £625,000
If the price is over £625,000, you cannot claim the relief. Follow the rules for people who’ve bought a home before.
Example - You are a first-time buyer and purchase a property for £500,000. The SDLT you owe will be calculated as:
You’ll pay:
- 0% on the first £425,000 = £0
- 5% on the remaining £75,000 = £3,750
- Total SDLT = £3,750
Discount from 1 April 2025
You’ll pay:
- No SDLT up to £300,000
- 5% SDLT on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000
If the price is over £500,000, you cannot claim the relief. Follow the rules for people who’ve bought a home before.
Example - You are a first-time buyer and purchase a property for £500,000. The SDLT you owe will be calculated as:
- 0% on the first £300,000 = £0
- 5% on the remaining £200,000 = £10,000
- Total SDLT = £10,000
You’ll usually have to pay 5% on top of SDLT rates if buying a new residential property means you’ll own more than one.
If you’re replacing your main residence
You will not pay the extra 5% SDLT if both of the following apply:
- The property you’re buying is replacing your main residence
- Your previous main residence was sold within 36 months of completing your new purchase
If you have not sold your main residence on the day you complete your new purchase, you’ll have to pay higher rates. This is because you own 2 properties.
