How much stamp duty does a first-time buyer pay in 2026?

First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay no stamp duty on homes up to £300,000. Between £300,000 and £500,000 they pay 5% on the portion above £300,000. Above £500,000 first-time buyer relief does not apply and standard rates are charged.

When do I have to pay stamp duty?

Stamp duty must be paid to HMRC within 14 days of completion. Your solicitor or conveyancer normally files the return and pays on your behalf, adding the amount to your completion statement.

What is the stamp duty surcharge on a second home?

Additional properties such as buy-to-let or second homes carry a 5% surcharge on top of standard rates on every band (increased from 3% in October 2024). You may reclaim the surcharge if you sell your previous main home within 36 months.

Do both buyers need to be first-time buyers to claim relief?

Yes. To claim first-time buyer stamp duty relief, every buyer named on the property must be a first-time buyer. If one buyer has owned property before, the whole purchase is charged at standard rates.

✓ 2026/27 HMRC rates · England & Northern Ireland

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England & Northern Ireland · 2026/27 HMRC rates

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Stamp duty is just the start. Budget for all of these on top of your deposit.

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Stamp Duty (SDLT)

£0 – £10,000+

First-time buyers pay 0% up to £300k, 5% on the portion up to £500k. Must be paid within 14 days of completion.

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Solicitor / Conveyancer

£1,500 – £3,000

Includes legal searches, Land Registry fee, and professional fees. Always get at least three quotes.

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Survey

£400 – £1,500

A RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) or Level 3 (Building Survey). Never skip a survey — it can save thousands.

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Mortgage Fees

£0 – £2,000

Arrangement, booking, and valuation fees vary by lender. Some deals are fee-free — always compare the total cost.

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Moving Costs

£300 – £2,000

Depends on how far you're moving and how much you have. Get at least three removal company quotes.

Typical total — on top of your deposit

Budget for the upper end to avoid surprises

£3,000 – £12,000

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