Question 1

Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

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 £625,000 they pay standard rates. 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.

Question 2

How much can first-time buyers save?

Accepted Answer

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 around £6,250 (on a property at the £500,000 threshold). In Scotland, the maximum LBTT saving is £600. Wales offers no first-time buyer relief, so the saving there is £0.

Question 3

What counts as a first-time buyer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is there first-time buyer relief in Scotland and Wales?

Accepted Answer

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.

Country	Tax	FTB nil-rate	Cap on relief	Max saving
England & NI	SDLT	£300,000 at 0%, £300k-£500k at 5%	£625,000	Up to £6,250
Scotland	LBTT	£175,000 at 0% (vs standard £145,000)	No cap	Up to £600
Wales	LTT	No FTB relief	N/A	£0

Price	England FTB	England saving	Scotland FTB	Scotland saving	Wales (no FTB relief)
£150,000	£0	-£500	£0	-£100	£0
£250,000	£0	-£2,500	£1,500	-£600	£1,500
£350,000	£2,500	-£5,000	£7,750	-£600	£7,500
£500,000	£10,000	-£5,000	£22,750	-£600	£18,000

First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Calculator 2026

First-time buyer stamp duty FAQs

First-time buyer relief across the UK

How much can first-time buyers save?