Skip to main content
Tax and home-buying schemes

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

The transaction tax on qualifying land and property purchases in England and Northern Ireland.

Definition

SDLT uses price bands and different rules for first-time buyers, additional dwellings, companies, non-UK residents and non-residential or mixed property. Scotland uses LBTT and Wales uses LTT. Current rates and relief tests should be checked for the effective transaction date.

Practical example

An eligible first-time buyer and a landlord purchasing at the same price can have different SDLT outcomes.

Why it matters

SDLT is normally due shortly after completion and must be budgeted separately from the deposit.

Property purchase tax calculator

Source and review

Reviewed 16 July 2026. Product criteria and rules can change.

HMRC: residential SDLT rates

Discuss your mortgage with a broker

We can introduce you to an FCA-authorised mortgage broker. MortgageConnector does not provide regulated advice, and using the matching service does not commit you to proceed.

Request a broker match