Buying · 5 min read

Stamp Duty Land Tax explained (2026 bands)

What you pay, when you pay it, and the reliefs for first-time buyers.

Standard residential rates

Up to £250,000: 0%
£250,001 – £925,000: 5%
£925,001 – £1.5m: 10%
Above £1.5m: 12%

First-time buyers

Pay nothing on the first £425,000 (on homes up to £625,000). Above £625,000 you pay the standard rates.

Second homes and buy-to-let

Add a 3% surcharge on the whole price. Non-UK residents pay a further 2%.