UK property tax guide
SDLT vs LTT vs LBTT
Compare SDLT in England and Northern Ireland, LTT in Wales and LBTT in Scotland so you can budget for the correct UK property transaction tax.
Three countries, three property-tax systems
England and Northern Ireland use Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT), and Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT). The names, thresholds, reliefs and additional-property rules differ.
England and Northern Ireland use Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), Wales uses Land Transaction Tax (LTT), and Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT). The names, thresholds, reliefs and additional-property rules differ.
| Where you are buying | Property tax | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| England & Northern Ireland | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | Includes first-time buyer relief and higher rates for additional properties. |
| Wales | Land Transaction Tax (LTT) | Uses Welsh residential bands and separate higher residential rates. |
| Scotland | Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) | Uses Scottish bands; additional dwellings can also attract the Additional Dwelling Supplement. |
Why this matters when budgeting for a move
Two homes with the same purchase price can produce different property-tax bills depending on where they are located and whether the buyer is purchasing a first home, a replacement main residence or an additional property.
Do not use an England stamp-duty estimate for Wales or Scotland
It is easy to search for “stamp duty” as a generic term, but Wales and Scotland have their own systems. Selecting the wrong country can materially distort the cash you need for completion.
What should be included in a moving budget?
- Property transaction tax
- Deposit or cash contribution
- Legal and conveyancing fees
- Survey and mortgage costs
- Estate-agent fees when selling
- Removals and other moving costs
Your whole move
Bring the numbers together.
Take what you’ve learned here back to MoveBudget and see what you’ll actually need in the bank.
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