First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Calculator

First time buyers in England pay zero stamp duty on properties up to £425,000. For properties between £425,001 and £625,000, you pay 5% on the amount over £425,000. Properties over £625,000 do not qualify for first time buyer relief.

Example: A £500,000 property would have SDLT of (500,000 - 425,000) × 5% = £3,750

The first time buyer SDLT nil-rate band is £425,000. This means first time buyers pay no stamp duty on the first £425,000 of a property purchase.

Compared to the standard nil-rate band of £250,000, this gives first time buyers an extra £175,000 of tax-free property value.

You qualify as a first time buyer if you have never owned an interest in a residential property anywhere in the UK or worldwide.

This includes:

• Properties you currently own
• Properties you previously owned and have sold
• Inherited properties
• Properties owned anywhere globally

If you've never owned any residential property, you can claim first time buyer relief.

First time buyers can save up to £8,750 compared to standard SDLT rates.

Maximum saving example: On a £625,000 property:

• Standard SDLT: (£625,000 - £250,000) × 5% = £18,750
• FTB SDLT: (£625,000 - £425,000) × 5% = £10,000
• Your saving: £8,750

Note: If you're buying with another person who is also a first time buyer, you can share the nil-rate band.

No, you can still claim first time buyer relief if:

• Both you and your partner are first time buyers - claim full relief on the entire purchase price
• Only one of you is a first time buyer - unfortunately, you cannot claim first time buyer relief

The relief is based on whether all purchasers are first time buyers.

No. First time buyer SDLT relief is only available for main residential properties.

If purchasing a buy-to-let property or second home:

• The 3% SDLT surcharge will be added to your bill
• You cannot claim first time buyer relief
• Standard SDLT rates apply plus the surcharge

SDLT must be paid and your return submitted to HMRC within 14 days of completing your property purchase.

Your solicitor or conveyancer typically handles this as part of the completion process. They will:

• Calculate your SDLT liability
• Submit the SDLT return online to HMRC
• Pay the SDLT from your completion funds

You should always claim first time buyer relief if you qualify. Your solicitor will include this in the SDLT return.

Note: Once you've claimed first time buyer relief, you cannot claim it again in the future, even if you sell the property and want to buy again as a first time buyer.