From April 1, 2025, Stamp Duty rates in the UK are shifting, but before you worry, let’s break it down simply. While the tax-free threshold for standard buyers is reducing from £250,000 to £125,000, the positive news is that most buyers won’t see a HUGE jump in costs. For example, purchasing a £295,000 home will mean £4,750 in SDLT, and property prices are expected to adjust accordingly.
First-time buyers still receive the most benefit. They’ll pay zero tax up to £300,000 (previously £425,000), and only 5% on the portion up to £500,000. So, if you're buying a £350,000 home, your SDLT is just £2,500—far better than paying full rates! Plus, homes over £500,000 will follow standard rates, which remain competitive.
Investors and second-home buyers will see a slight increase, with a new 7% band for purchases between £125,001 and £250,000. However, this is offset by stable higher-band rates, meaning the overall impact for larger purchases isn’t as dramatic as it may seem.
A link to our handy Stamp Duty Calculator is attached below.
(Note: This will calculate your current SDLT and will auto update from April 1st. Keep this link handy.)