UK Stamp Duty & Property Tax (2026): SDLT, LBTT & LTT
The tax you pay when you buy a home depends on which UK nation you're buying in — and the three systems have different names, bands and thresholds. Here's each one, with a calculator and a full guide.
| Nation | Purchase tax | Nil-rate band |
|---|---|---|
| 🏴 England & Northern Ireland | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | £125,000 (£300,000 first-time buyers) |
| 🏴 Scotland | Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) | £145,000 (£175,000 first-time buyers) |
| 🏴 Wales | Land Transaction Tax (LTT) | £225,000 (no first-time buyer relief) |
Why three different systems?
Property transaction tax is devolved. Scotland replaced UK stamp duty with LBTT in 2015, and Wales introduced LTT in 2018; only England and Northern Ireland still use SDLT. The structures are similar — marginal bands, a surcharge for additional properties — but the thresholds differ enough to change your bill by thousands. Always check the system for where you're buying, not where you live.
Buying a second home or from abroad?
On top of the standard bands, England & NI add a 5% surcharge for additional properties and a 2% surcharge for non-UK residents — and the two stack to standard rates plus 7%. Our UK stamp duty surcharges guide explains who pays each, worked examples, and when you can claim a refund.
Frequently asked questions
Is stamp duty the same across the UK?
No — SDLT (England & NI), LBTT (Scotland) and LTT (Wales) each have their own bands.
Which nation has the highest threshold?
Wales, at £225,000, versus £145,000 in Scotland and £125,000 in England & NI.
Do all three have a second-home surcharge?
Yes — England & NI add 5%, Scotland adds 8% (ADS), and Wales uses separate higher rates (5%–17%).
Figures as of June 2026. Rates change at Budgets — verify on GOV.UK, revenue.scot and gov.wales. General information, not regulated financial advice (FCA).