Do First-Time Buyers Pay Stamp Duty? UK Rules Explained

England and Northern Ireland: SDLT relief

For an eligible first-time buyer purchasing a residential property in England or Northern Ireland for £500,000 or less, the current Stamp Duty Land Tax relief is:

• 0% on the portion up to £300,000.
• 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000.
• If the property costs more than £500,000, first-time buyer relief does not apply.

These are the GOV.UK rates checked on 1 June 2026. Property tax rules can change, so verify the current position before relying on a figure.

Scotland: Land and Buildings Transaction Tax

Scotland uses Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, known as LBTT. Revenue Scotland says first-time buyer relief increases the nil-rate band, the amount you can pay before tax starts, for qualifying buyers to £175,000, with a maximum relief of £600.

Wales: Land Transaction Tax

Wales uses Land Transaction Tax, known as LTT. The Welsh Revenue Authority states that there is no specific first-time buyers' relief in Wales. The standard residential threshold and the rules for higher rates still matter.

Check before you budget

Property tax depends on the property, location and buyer circumstances. Ask your solicitor or conveyancer to explain what applies to your purchase and use the relevant official calculator before committing to a budget.