When you buy a property the change in land ownership has to be legally registered at the Land Registry. This process requires a certificate from the HMRC – which they will only issue on receipt of the Stamp Duty due on the purchase of the property.

The transfer of funds to pay the Stamp Duty will be managed for you by your solicitor.

How much is Stamp Duty?

For homes over £125,000 there is no Stamp Duty to pay on the first £125,000, then the following rates apply:

Purchase Price	Stamp Duty %
£0 to £125,000	0% (Zero)
£125,001 to £250,000	2%
£250,001 to £925,000	5%
£925,001 to £1,500,000	10%
Over £1,500,000	12%

If you're a first time buyer, purchasing a home up to £500,000, the following rates apply:

Purchase Price	Stamp Duty %
£0 to £300,000	0% (Zero)
£300,001 to £500,000	5%

Note: For properties priced over £500,000, no additional first time buyer relief is available. See existing homeowner rates.

If you are buying an investment property or an additional home, the following rates will apply to your purchase:

Purchase Price	Stamp Duty %
£0 to £125,000	3%
£125,001 to £250,000	5%
£250,001 to £925,000	8%
£925,001 to £1,500,000	13%
Over £1,500,000	15%

Stamp Duty in Scotland is referred to as the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and is charged when you buy a home of more than £145,000.

See more detail on LBTT (Scotland) 
(Terms and conditions apply)

Stamp Duty in Wales is referred to as the Land Transaction Tax (LTT) and is charged when you buy a home of more than £180,000.

See more detail on LTT (Wales)