What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp Duty is one of those things that pops up when you’re buying a residential home or land - and if you’re not prepared for it, it can feel like an unwelcome surprise. But don’t worry, with our SDLT calculator it can be straightforward.
It’s a tax you pay when you buy a property over a certain price in the UK. Think of it as the government’s cut of the deal. How much you pay depends on where you’re buying and how much the property costs.
Sounds complicated? It’s really just about knowing the numbers upfront so there are no surprises later. And good news, if you’re a first-time buyer, there are discounts to help make things a little easier.
Visit our Stamp Duty guide for further information.
How is stamp duty calculated?
The amount you pay depends on property value bands set by the UK government or devolved Governments if you’re buying a home in Scotland or Wales. This includes but is not limited to:
- The price of the property.
- Whether it’s your first home or additional home purchases (Including buy-to-let and second homes).
- Whether you're a UK or non-UK resident.
As of 1st April 2025, Stamp Duty rates have changed. Read our Stamp Duty rate change article for further information.
Standard stamp duty rates for England and Northern Ireland residents from April 2025
Excluding second homes and non-resident buyers
Property price |
Main residence |
Up to £125,000 (£300,000 for first-time properties £500,000 or less) |
0% |
£125,001 to £250,000 |
2% |
£250,001 to £925,000 |
5% |
£925,001 to £1.5 million |
10% |
Over £1.5 million |
12% |