UK Stamp Duty (SDLT) Rates: What You Need to Know
Whether you are purchasing your first home, moving house, or
Written by
Hatch Brenner
Whether you are purchasing your first home, moving house, or buying an investment property, understanding Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a vital part of budgeting for your property move.
Following the expiration of temporary relief measures in April 2025, SDLT thresholds have returned to their standard baseline rates. Understanding these current rates helps buyers accurately calculate purchasing costs when working with our conveyancing solicitors in Norwich.
Current Stamp Duty Rates for Residential Purchases
Stamp Duty is calculated on a tiered basis, meaning you only pay the specific percentage rate on the portion of the property price that falls within each bracket.
1. Next Home Buyers (Standard Residential Rates): If you are replacing your main residence, the standard SDLT rates apply:
| Property Value Portion | SDLT Rate |
| Up to £125,000 | 0% |
| £125,001 to £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 to £925,000 | 5% |
| £925,001 to £1,500,000 | 10% |
| Over £1,500,000 | 12% |
2. First-Time Buyer Relief: First-time buyers benefit from a higher tax-free threshold, provided the purchase price does not exceed £500,000:
| Property Value Portion | SDLT Rate |
| Up to £300,000 | 0% |
| £300,001 to £500,000 | 5% |
| Over £500,000 | Standard residential rates apply to the entire amount |
3. Additional Properties & Buy-to-Let Investments: Purchasing an additional residential property (such as a second home, holiday home, or buy-to-let investment) attracts a 5% surcharge on top of the standard residential rates across all bands:
| Property Value Portion | SDLT Rate |
| Up to £125,000 | 5% |
| £125,001 to £250,000 | 7% |
| £250,001 to £925,000 | 10% |
| £925,001 to £1,500,000 | 15% |
| Over £1,500,000 | 17% |
How we can help you
To manage your case, our amiable and approachable partners, solicitors, legal executives, paralegals, and secretaries collaborate actively with you. We also specialise in family, matrimonial, and child law, commercial and residential property, medical negligence, wills, tax and probate, and personal injury.
To find out more about our expertise, please call:
Key Contacts
Sarah Finn Partner Residential, Development & Commercial View profile
Stephanie Connor Solicitor Residential Property View profile
Lizzy Phillips Conveyancing Executive Residential Property & Mortgages View profile
How Hatch Brenner Supports Your Property Purchase
Calculating SDLT accurately, including determining eligibility for first-time buyer relief, non-resident surcharges, or complex trust exemptions, is an essential step in the property transfer process.
Our experienced residential property team handles all SDLT submission returns and Land Registry filings on your behalf. To discuss your upcoming transaction or request a complete fee breakdown, visit our residential conveyancing services page or contact our Norwich office at 01603 214 220.
Topics
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The law may have changed since publication. Please contact us for advice on your own circumstances.
Keep reading
Related insights
Speak to our team
Discuss your legal requirements with us
Whatever your situation, an initial conversation with one of our solicitors can bring clarity. We will listen, explain your options and be clear about cost from the outset.
