The first-time buyers’ relief on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) was introduced in November 2017. The introduction of this new relief saw the abolishment of SDLT for first-time buyers making a purchase of up to £300,000. These limits were temporarily increased in September 2022 to help boost the housing market. This temporary increase ended on 31 March 2025 and we have highlighted the figures that currently apply below.
The first-time buyers’ relief means that no SDLT is payable for qualifying first-time buyers making a purchase of up to £300,000. The relief also applies to the first £300,000 for purchases up to £500,000, SDLT is payable at 5% on the remainder up to £500,000. There is no SDLT relief available for first-time buyers spending more than £500,000 on a property.
There are a number of requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the relief. The relief is only available for those purchasing a house for the first time. The purchaser can never have previously owned any share of a property in the UK or worldwide. The qualifying criteria are extended to both partners when buying a house jointly.
SDLT applies in England and Northern Ireland only. Land transactions in Scotland are subject to the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) and land transactions in Wales are subject to the Welsh Land Transaction Tax (LTT).
