Stamp Duty 2026: What UK Buyers Need to Know

Stamp duty. Two words that can quietly add thousands to the cost of buying a home — and yet most buyers only look it up when they’re already mid-offer. Here’s everything you need to know, updated for 2026.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax you pay when you buy a property in England or Northern Ireland above a certain value. (Scotland and Wales have their own versions — LBTT and LTT respectively.) You don’t pay it monthly. It’s a one-off payment, due within 14 days of completing your purchase.

What are the current thresholds?

The temporary relief introduced in 2022 ended in April 2025. The thresholds are now back to their previous levels:

For standard buyers (not first-time, not additional property):

• Up to £125,000 — 0%
• £125,001 to £250,000 — 2%
• £250,001 to £925,000 — 5%
• £925,001 to £1.5 million — 10%
• Over £1.5 million — 12%

For first-time buyers, there’s still relief available. You pay 0% on the first £300,000 and 5% on anything between £300,001 and £500,000. If the property costs more than £500,000, you don’t get the first-time buyer relief and pay standard rates.

A real example

Say you’re buying a £350,000 home as a first-time buyer:

• 0% on the first £300,000 = £0
• 5% on the remaining £50,000 = £2,500
• Total stamp duty = £2,500

The same property for a non-first-time buyer:

• 0% on the first £125,000 = £0
• 2% on the next £125,000 = £2,500
• 5% on the remaining £100,000 = £5,000
• Total stamp duty = £7,500

That’s a £5,000 difference — which is why it matters whether you qualify as a first-time buyer.

What about second homes or buy-to-let?

If you’re buying an additional residential property (a second home, holiday home, or rental), you pay a 3% surcharge on top of standard rates across every band. On a £300,000 property, that’s an extra £9,000.

When do you pay it?

Your conveyancer handles the actual submission and payment, but you need to have the funds ready by completion day. It comes out of your own pocket — it can’t be added to your mortgage.

How Woosh helps

On Woosh, your estimated stamp duty is shown upfront on every listing — so there are no surprises. And when you’re ready to move, we connect you with vetted conveyancers who’ll handle the SDLT filing for you.

Ready to see what buying through Woosh looks like? Explore properties on Woosh