Main home bands
- 0% up to £125,000
- 2% from £125,001 to £250,000
- 5% from £250,001 to £925,000
- 10% from £925,001 to £1.5 million
- 12% above £1.5 million
2026 property tax guide
Stamp Duty Rates 2026: Current UK SDLT Bands Explained
Stamp Duty Land Tax applies when you buy property in England or Northern Ireland. For main homes, SDLT usually starts when the property price is above £125,000.
The amount you pay depends on the property price, whether you are a first-time buyer, and whether you are buying an additional property.
First-time buyer relief
Eligible first-time buyers pay no SDLT up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000.
Above £500,000, standard rates normally apply.
Additional properties
If you are buying a second home or buy-to-let, higher rates may apply. This can significantly increase the upfront cost.
Where SDLT applies
SDLT applies in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland has LBTT and Wales has LTT.
Why Stamp Duty is easy to miscalculate
Stamp Duty is charged in slices. That means a higher rate does not apply to the full property price, only the amount inside that band.
Quick decision checklist
Use bands correctlyRates apply to slices, not the whole price.
Check buyer typeFirst-time buyer and additional property rules matter.
Check locationScotland and Wales are different.
Budget earlySDLT can affect your deposit plans.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Stamp Duty rates in 2026?
Stamp Duty is charged in bands based on the property price, buyer type, and whether the property is a main home or additional property.
Is Stamp Duty charged on the whole property price?
No. Stamp Duty is charged in slices, so each rate applies only to the portion of the price within that band.
Do first-time buyers get different Stamp Duty rates?
Yes. Eligible first-time buyers may receive Stamp Duty relief on qualifying purchases.
Do second homes pay more Stamp Duty?
Usually yes. Additional properties can attract higher Stamp Duty rates.
Does SDLT apply across the whole UK?
No. SDLT applies in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales use different systems.
When do you pay Stamp Duty?
It is normally handled shortly after completion, often by your solicitor or conveyancer.
Can Stamp Duty change?
Yes. Rates and thresholds can change, so check current rules before buying.
Why use a calculator?
Because SDLT is charged in bands, a calculator reduces the chance of applying one rate to the whole price incorrectly.