You probably overpaid
stamp duty. You can get it back.
Most homebuyers pay stamp duty on items that are legally exempt. Carpets, curtains, white goods, furniture — none of these should be taxed. We'll show you what you're owed, and how to claim it.
Independent. Not a claims firm. We just show you the facts.
Where are you starting from?
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What is a stamp duty chattel refund?
When you buy a property in England or Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is charged on the purchase price. But HMRC's own guidance — SDLTM04010 — confirms that moveable items included in the sale are not subject to SDLT. Carpets, curtains, freestanding white goods, furniture, garden sheds: none of these should form part of the taxable consideration.
Most buyers pay stamp duty on the full purchase price without deducting chattels — either because their solicitor didn't advise them to, or because nobody thought to apportion the value at the time. The result is a systematic overpayment that HMRC allows you to correct through an overpayment relief claim, up to four years after completion.
How much stamp duty could you get back?
The refund depends on two things: the total second-hand value of chattels included in your purchase, and which SDLT band your property falls in. A typical furnished property might include £8,000–£15,000 of chattels. On a £400,000 purchase — where the marginal SDLT rate is 5% — that translates to a refund of £400–£750. On a £700,000 purchase at 10%, the same chattels could produce £800–£1,500 back.
Use our free refund estimator to walk through your property room by room and get a personalised estimate in under two minutes.
Who can make a stamp duty chattel claim?
You can claim if you bought a residential property in England or Northern Ireland within the last four years, and the property came with moveable items that weren't separately valued and deducted from the purchase price. You don't need a specialist to claim — HMRC allows buyers to submit overpayment relief claims themselves, either online (within 12 months of filing) or by post (up to four years after completion).
For smaller refunds up to £500, our DIY Claim Pack gives you everything you need for £19.99. For larger refunds, our vetted specialists work on a no-win, no-fee basis.
What counts as a chattel for stamp duty purposes?
HMRC defines chattels as tangible, moveable items — things that are not permanently fixed to the building or land. Common examples include fitted carpets (but not glued-down carpets), curtains and curtain poles, freestanding white goods (washing machine, fridge freezer, dishwasher), freestanding furniture, loose rugs, garden furniture, and removable garden sheds.
Fixtures — items permanently attached to the property — cannot be deducted. These include fitted kitchens, integrated appliances, bathroom suites, built-in wardrobes, and wired light fittings. The distinction is not always obvious. Use our AI Chattel Checker to get an instant ruling on any specific item based on HMRC guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — HMRC guidance explicitly excludes chattels (moveable items) from Stamp Duty Land Tax. You're entitled to pay SDLT only on the land and buildings, not on moveable contents like carpets, curtains, and appliances.
It depends on your property value and what was included in the purchase. Typical refunds range from £500 to £10,000+. Use our refund estimator for a personalised estimate.
HMRC typically processes overpayment relief claims within 30 days of submission. Some claims may take longer if HMRC requests additional information.
Yes. You can claim overpayment relief within 4 years of your purchase date. After that, the window closes permanently. For return amendments, the deadline is 12 months and 14 days from the filing date.
Not necessarily — you can claim yourself using HMRC's online service. However, a specialist ensures correct valuations and handles the entire process, typically on a no-win-no-fee basis.
Chattels are moveable items not permanently fixed to the property. Common examples include fitted carpets, curtains, freestanding white goods (fridge, washing machine), furniture, garden sheds, and light fittings.