Stamp Duty Guide
How Much Stamp Duty Will I Pay?
Stamp duty is one of the biggest extra costs when buying a property. The amount you pay depends on the property price, your buyer type, and whether the home is your main residence or an additional property.
How stamp duty is calculated
Stamp duty is calculated in bands. That means you do not usually pay one flat percentage on the full property price. Instead, different parts of the purchase price can be taxed at different rates.
This is why two homes with fairly similar prices can sometimes have noticeably different stamp duty bills, especially when a price crosses an important threshold.
What affects your stamp duty bill?
- Property price: higher property prices usually mean a larger stamp duty bill.
- Buyer type: first-time buyers may qualify for relief.
- Additional properties: second homes and buy-to-let purchases can attract a surcharge.
- Location: stamp duty rules differ across parts of the UK.
Quick example
If you are buying a home around a threshold, the exact price can matter. A small change in purchase price may alter the amount you owe, especially if you are close to a first-time buyer or higher-rate boundary.
The easiest way to avoid guessing is to enter the property price into a calculator and check the breakdown before you budget for solicitor fees, deposit, moving costs, and mortgage costs.
Calculate your exact estimate
Want a faster answer? Use the Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate your bill instantly based on property price and buyer type.
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