First-time buyer Stamp Duty: the £500,000 cliff edge

Updated 15 October 2026

First-time buyers pay no SDLT up to £300,000, and 5% on the part from £300,001 to £500,000. Above £500,000 the relief disappears completely and standard rates apply to the whole price (gov.uk).

Price	First-time buyer SDLT	Standard SDLT
£250,000	£0	£2,500
£300,000	£0	£5,000
£400,000	£5,000	£10,000
£500,000	£10,000	£15,000
£501,000	£15,050 (no relief)	£15,050

Everyone buying with you must be a first-time buyer, and it must be your main home.

Estimate only, not financial, mortgage or legal advice. Uses England and Northern Ireland SDLT rates from 1 April 2025 (gov.uk). Not for Scotland (LBTT) or Wales (LTT). Shared ownership, new leases and special cases aren't covered. Your conveyancer confirms the actual SDLT. Use HMRC's SDLT calculator to check.

Try the free Stamp Duty calculator or get the £7 Home Buying & Moving Planner.

Rates checked on 15 October 2026 against official sources: gov.uk SDLT residential rates · HMRC SDLT calculator.

General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Our liability is capped at the price paid, as far as the law allows. Your statutory rights are not affected. See the terms of sale.