Read 22 October 2026 from GOV.UK, Revenue Scotland and GOV.WALES
At What Price Does Stamp Duty Start?
Nothing is payable below the first band. In England and Northern Ireland that first band is now £125,000; in Scotland it is £145,000; in Wales it is £225,000.
| Where the property is | Tax starts at | Rate on the next band |
|---|---|---|
| England and Northern Ireland (SDLT) | £125,000 | 2% to £250,000 |
| Scotland (LBTT) | £145,000 | 2% to £250,000 |
| Wales (LTT) | £225,000 | 6% to £400,000 |
England: the threshold fell on 1 April 2025
Between 23 September 2022 and 31 March 2025 the SDLT nil band was £250,000. From 1 April 2025 it went back to £125,000, and the 2% band reappeared between £125,001 and £250,000. A purchase completing either side of that date pays a different amount on the same price — which is why the SDLT calculator has an effective-date selector.
First-time buyers pay nothing at a higher price
In England a first-time buyer pays no SDLT up to £300,000 — more than double the standard threshold — and 5% from £300,001 to £500,000. Above £500,000 the relief disappears entirely. First-time buyer page →
Second homes pay from the first pound
The additional-property surcharge changes the answer completely: in England the 5 points apply to every band, so duty starts at £0 — not £125,000. In Wales the higher rates start at 5% from the first pound. Second home page →