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
We look at how to get the best Buy to Let mortgage rate, what's in store going forward, and options as a landlord with increasing costs.
UK mortgage rates following Trump’s Tariffs
9 days ago
Throughout this past week, lenders have continued to reduce their mortgage rates giving borrowers in the UK some welcome news following the change in global tariffs under US President, Donald Trump.
Effective ways to relieve stress
9 days ago
Did you know that buying a house, or relocating is in the top 10 most stressful life events?
Stress of course is an unavoidable part of life and there are many reasons why people experience stress, not just buying a house!
There are lots of effective ways to manage and reduce stress, check out our tips to help you.
The most inexpensive areas for first time buyers
22 days ago
With the stamp duty relief ending in England and Northern Ireland, we have listed the top 10 cheapest areas for first-time buyers as published by Rightmove.
Tips to help you get onto the property ladder
22 days ago
Are you looking to purchase your first home but unsure where to begin? Here are some tips to get you started.
Choosing which fixed rate to go for has been a dilemma for many of our clients so far this year. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer, but below we will look into the pros and cons of a two-year and five-year to help you make the right decision for you.
Best UK Mortgage Rates this Week
18 Mar 2025
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Stamp Duty Rush as Deadline Looms
17 Mar 2025
According to Rightmove, a whopping 500,000 UK homebuyers are rushing to finalise their home purchase before the new Stamp Duty rules change in April.
More information
Trusted by
