Stamp Duty Changes – What You Need To Know
On 1 July 2021, stamp duty changes arrived in England and Northern Ireland. The temporary stamp duty holiday that the Chancellor introduced last year has been altered…however, there are still savings to be had if you are a first-time buyer or if you can complete by 30 September 2021 (T’s & C’s apply).
What is stamp duty?
Stamp duty land tax (SDLT), often known simply as stamp duty, is a tax paid by people buying properties. The amount depends on the price of the property.
Last year, in order to boost the property market and help buyers whose finances were affected by Covid, the government introduced a stamp duty holiday. Buyers did not have to pay any stamp duty on the first £500,000 of their purchase price. However, since 1 July, stamp duty applies above £250,000. The rates will change again on 1 October 2021.
Stamp Duty from 1 July 2021 – 30 September
From 1 July to 30 September 2021, you will pay no stamp duty on homes costing up to £250,000.
| Property Value | Stamp Duty Rate |
| Up to £250k | 0% |
| £250k to £925k | 5% |
| £925k to £1.5m | 10% |
| Rest over £1.5m | 12% |
Stamp Duty from 1 October 2021
From 1 October 2021, you will pay no stamp duty on homes costing up to £125,000.
| Property Value | Stamp Duty Rate |
| Up to £125k | 0% |
| £125k to £925k | 5% |
| £925k to £1.5m | 10% |
| Rest over £1.5m | 12% |
This tax applies to both freehold and leasehold properties – whether you are buying outright or with a mortgage.
First-time buyers
Rates are different for first-time buyers. From 1 July 2021, if you are a first-time buyer in England or Northern Ireland, you will pay no stamp duty on properties worth up to £300,000.
For properties costing up to £500,000, you will pay no stamp duty on the first £300,000. You will then pay stamp duty at the relevant rate of 5% on the remaining amount, up to £200,000.
If the property you are buying is worth over £500,000, you will need to pay the standard rates of stamp duty and will not qualify for first-time buyer’s relief.
A person is classed as a first-time buyer if they are purchasing their only or main residence and have never owned a property before in the UK or abroad.
For more details, or if you would like to know rates for second homes or the rates in Wales or Scotland, visit https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
