Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax that may apply when you buy land or property in England or Northern Ireland. It is important to check whether SDLT applies before completing a purchase, as the tax can represent a significant additional cost.

SDLT can apply when you buy a freehold property, a new or existing leasehold property, a property through a shared ownership scheme, or when land or property is transferred in exchange for payment. The amount of SDLT due depends on factors including the type of property, the purchase price and whether any reliefs or exemptions apply.

For residential property purchases in England and Northern Ireland, SDLT is charged on a banded basis, meaning different portions of the purchase price are taxed at different rates. The current rates for a standard residential property purchase are:

• 0% on the first £125,000
• 2% on the portion from £125,001 to £250,000
• 5% on the portion from £250,001 to £925,000
• 10% on the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million
• 12% on the portion above £1.5 million

Different rules apply for certain buyers. First-time buyers may qualify for relief, while those purchasing an additional residential property will usually pay an additional 5% on top of the standard rates. Non-UK residents may also be subject to different rates.

SDLT only applies to property and land transactions in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a separate tax called Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), while Wales has Land Transaction Tax (LTT). 

An SDLT return normally needs to be submitted to HMRC and any tax due paid within 14 days of a property purchase completion. Your solicitor or conveyancer will usually deal with this as part of the purchase process.