First-time buyer stamp duty
Estimate first-time buyer stamp duty and understand current SDLT relief in England and Northern Ireland, with links to UK country-specific property tax tools.
For qualifying purchases up to £500,000, no SDLT is due on the first £300,000 and 5% is charged on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000. Above £500,000, first-time buyer relief is not available and standard residential rates apply.
Who can usually claim first-time buyer relief?
You and anyone buying with you must be first-time buyers, and the property must be intended as your main residence. If one joint buyer has previously owned a residential property, the purchase will not normally qualify for the relief.
What if the property costs more than £500,000?
The relief stops once the purchase price is above £500,000. In that situation, normal residential SDLT bands apply.
What about Wales and Scotland?
Property transaction taxes differ across the UK. Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT), while Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT). Select the correct nation in the MoveBudget property-tax calculator before estimating your bill.
Common first-time buyer questions
Does owning property abroad count?
For SDLT first-time buyer relief, previous ownership of residential property anywhere in the world can matter.
Do both buyers need to be first-time buyers?
Yes. If you are buying jointly, every purchaser must meet the first-time buyer conditions for the relief to apply.
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