DIY vs Specialist: Which Route Is Right for Your SDLT Refund?
The right choice depends on your refund size, your case, and how much you keep.
It is not about confidence — it is about the numbers
The choice between a DIY claim and a specialist isn't about confidence — it's about the size of your refund, the complexity of your case, and how much of your money you want to keep. A straightforward claim with strong evidence rarely needs a specialist taking a third of the refund. A complex or contested claim is exactly where specialist input pays for itself. The decision matrix below maps the most common situations to the route that makes sense.
Decision matrix: which route for your situation
| Your situation | Recommended route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HRAD surcharge refund, clear timeline, previous home sold | DIY (use HMRC online tool) | Straightforward statutory process, HMRC has a dedicated form |
| HRAD surcharge refund, exceptional circumstances or missed deadline | Specialist | Requires HMRC discretion and legal framing |
| Chattels claim, contract mentions contents, refund likely under £1,000 | DIY (DIY Claim Pack) | Well-evidenced, modest value, not worth a specialist fee |
| Chattels claim, no contract reference, refund over £1,000 | Specialist | HMRC challenge risk higher, specialist fee justified |
| Uninhabitable property claim | Specialist | Evidence burden and case law make this high-risk for DIY |
| Mixed-use classification claim | Specialist | High HMRC scrutiny, technical classification issues |
| Multiple Dwellings Relief transitional claim | Specialist | Complex, high-value, limited time remaining |
| Claim deadline within 30 days | Specialist (urgent) | Speed and accuracy matter more than the fee at this point |
| Refund under £200 | Neither route is commercial | Specialist fee exceeds the refund; DIY cost in time may not be worth it |
What each route costs
DIY Claim Pack — £19.99 flat fee
A one-off £19.99. You keep 100% of the refund. Best for well-evidenced chattels claims of modest value.
Specialist — no win, no fee
Typically 25–40% of the refund. On a £10,000 HRAD refund, that is £2,500–£4,000. Justified where the claim is complex, contested, or urgent.
HMRC online tool — free
For a Route A additional-dwelling surcharge refund, HMRC's online tool is free to use directly. No pack is needed for a straightforward HRAD claim.
When you should not attempt a DIY claim
- ✕Your case involves multiple properties, trusts, or companies
- ✕You have already submitted a claim and been rejected
- ✕HMRC has written to you about the claim
- ✕The refund is above £5,000 and the evidence is thin
In each of these cases the cost of getting the claim wrong — repayment, interest, and potential penalties — far outweighs a specialist fee. Start with our Get Help service.
Frequently asked questions
Should I claim my SDLT refund myself or use a specialist?
It depends on three things: the size of your refund, the complexity of your case, and the strength of your evidence. A straightforward HRAD surcharge refund with a clear timeline is well suited to DIY using HMRC’s free online tool. A complex or contested claim — uninhabitable property, mixed-use, or a thinly evidenced chattels claim over £1,000 — is where a specialist earns their fee.
How much does a specialist SDLT refund firm charge?
Most specialists work on a no-win-no-fee basis and charge between 25% and 40% of the refund recovered. On a £10,000 HRAD refund that is £2,500 to £4,000. The DIY Claim Pack is a flat £19.99 and you keep 100% of the refund.
Is the HMRC online tool free to use?
Yes. For a Route A additional-dwelling surcharge refund, HMRC provides a dedicated online claim tool that is free to use directly. You do not need a pack or a specialist for a straightforward HRAD claim.
When should I never attempt a DIY claim?
Avoid DIY if your case involves multiple properties, trusts, or companies; if you have already submitted a claim and been rejected; if HMRC has written to you about the claim; or if the refund is above £5,000 and your evidence is thin. In those situations the cost of getting it wrong far outweighs a specialist fee.
Ready to Decide?
Choose the route that fits your claim — keep 100% with the DIY pack, or let a specialist handle a complex case.