The last twenty five years has seen enormous growth in the UK’s housing market. Part of the driving force behind the growth in this sector has been the increased demand, partially driven by a growing ‘buy to let’ sector.
With supply lagging far beyond demand from an increasing population, the UK Government have been keen to discourage the small private buy to let investor. From 1. April 2016, anyone purchasing an additional buy to let property must pay at least an extra 3 per cent in stamp duty land tax.
The Treasury has tried to close any loopholes to get around extra stamp duty charges. The changes apply to companies and individuals no matter how many properties you are purchasing.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Surplus for Buy to Let Landlords
| Property Price | Surplus SDLT Rate |
| Up to £40,000 | 0% |
| Over £40,000 and under £125,000 | 3% |
| Over £125,000 and under £250,000 | 5% |
| Over £250,000 and under £925,000 | 8% |
| Over £925,000 and under £1,500,000 | 13% |
| Over £1,500,000 | 15% |
For example, prior to April 2016, anyone buying a £200,000 second home or buy to let, paid stamp duty of £1,500. This was based on paying zero per cent on the first £125,000 of the property value and 2 per cent on the portion between £125,001 and £250,000.
From April 2016, landlords had to pay 3 per cent for the first £125,000 and 5 per cent instead of 2 per cent on the amount between £125,001 and £250,000. This could give them a total bill of up to £7,500.
Click here for non Buy to Let Stamp Duty Rates.
However, it’s not just buy to let landlords who have been hit but anyone buying a second home. This even extends to parents buying a property for their children, or a couple purchasing a home together where one is already a homeowner.
Those purchasing a buy-to-let and second homes face the charge, but so do others.
Anyone owning a second property that isn't their main residence and buying another, or replacing the one they don't live in, is also likely to get caught up in the extra tax.
There are a variety of SDLT calculators on the internet.
Related Articles:
Download our Free First Time Buyers Guide
Recent posts
Decorating Tips for Selling Your Property
8 days ago
Selling up? It’s important to make your house as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Good decorating can help with first impressions, and increase the perceived value of your property.
20 Budget-Friendly Activities
27 days ago
With the cost of living affecting so many of us, we have made a list of budget-friendly activities and ideas for you.
Moving and Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Move
21 Jul 2023
Moving soon? It's never too early to get organised! Be prepared and avoid unwanted stress by checking out our list of tips to get you ready for moving day.
What is the UK Inflation Rate?
27 Jun 2023
Inflation simply put, is the increase in the price of something over time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) tracks the prices of hundreds of everyday items and these items are updated to reflect shopping trends.
Debt Consolidation into a Mortgage
20 Jun 2023
We are often asked if it's good advice to consolidate “unsecured” debt (credit cards and loans etc) into your mortgage, the answer is, sometimes.
Parking Rules Explained
16 Jun 2023
When you’re looking to buy a home, and you own a car, you ideally want to know the rules on parking in the area. Parking rules can be confusing, even for the most experienced of drivers! This is why we have written this blog to help you.
Sources of Deposit to Buy a Property
6 Jun 2023
There are several potential sources you can consider when it comes to getting together a deposit to buy a property. Providing proof of the source of your deposit is a key requirement in the application process and will need to be given to both the lender and the solicitor.
What is a Mortgage Prisoner?
26 May 2023
Mortgage Prisoners are people who are unable to switch mortgages to a better deal, despite being up-to-date with their mortgage payments.
More information
Trusted by
