First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Calculator 2026

Often not, depending on the price and country. In England and Northern Ireland, first-time buyers pay no SDLT on properties up to £300,000, then 5% between £300,001 and £500,000. Above £500,000 there is no relief, and standard rates apply to the whole price. In Scotland, first-time buyers pay no LBTT on the first £175,000. Wales does not currently offer first-time buyer relief, so standard LTT rates apply.

In England, a first-time buyer of a £350,000 property pays £2,500 instead of £7,500 - a saving of £5,000. The maximum SDLT saving for first-time buyers is £5,000, on any price from £300,000 to £500,000. Above £500,000 there is no saving. In Scotland, the maximum LBTT saving is £600. Wales offers no first-time buyer relief, so the saving there is £0.

A first-time buyer is someone who has never owned a freehold or leasehold interest in any residential property anywhere in the world, and intends the property being purchased to be their only or main residence. If two people are buying together, both must be first-time buyers to claim the relief. Inheriting or being gifted an interest in a property usually counts as previous ownership.

Scotland yes, Wales no. Scottish first-time buyers benefit from a higher £175,000 nil-rate threshold on LBTT (versus the standard £145,000), a maximum saving of £600. Wales does not currently offer any dedicated first-time buyer relief - all buyers pay the standard LTT rates. The Welsh Government's position is that the higher £225,000 nil-rate threshold already benefits the lower end of the market.