DIY vs Specialist: Which Route Is Right for Your SDLT Refund?
Most buyers use a specialist on a no-win, no-fee basis. The DIY Claim Pack is an alternative if you would prefer to handle the claim yourself.
It is about your case, not your refund size
There is no minimum refund size where one route stops making sense. Most buyers use a specialist firm because the no-win, no-fee model removes the cost risk and the firm handles everything end-to-end. The DIY Claim Pack suits buyers who would rather handle the claim themselves and keep the full refund. Where complexity enters — uninhabitable cases, mixed-use classification, MDR, contested basis, post-rejection — a specialist is the right call regardless of refund size. Either way, work out what you may be owed first: take the eligibility check, then choose your lane.
Decision matrix: which route for your situation
| Your situation | Recommended route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HRAD surcharge refund, clear timeline, previous home sold within 3 years | Either | Specialist works on no-win, no-fee; the DIY Claim Pack works if you’d rather handle it yourself. |
| HRAD surcharge refund, exceptional circumstances or missed deadline | Specialist | Requires HMRC discretion and legal framing. |
| Chattels claim, contract or invoices reference contents | Either | Well-evidenced; both routes work. Specialist removes the cost risk on no-win, no-fee; DIY keeps the full refund. |
| Chattels claim, weak or no contract reference | Specialist | Evidence quality needs specialist judgement to avoid HMRC challenge. |
| 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, limited time remaining. |
| Claim deadline within 30 days | Specialist | Speed and accuracy matter more than the fee at this point. |
What each route costs
Specialist — no win, no fee
No-win, no-fee basis — you pay nothing if the claim does not succeed. Typical fee 25-40% of any successful refund. Most buyers chose this route for the risk-free model and full case handling.
DIY Claim Pack — £19.99 flat fee
A one-off £19.99. You keep 100% of the refund. For buyers who prefer to handle their own claim end-to-end.
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
- ✕Your case involves uninhabitable property, mixed-use classification, or Multiple Dwellings Relief
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?
Most buyers use a specialist firm. They work on a no-win, no-fee basis — you pay nothing if the claim does not succeed — and they handle the whole process end-to-end. The DIY Claim Pack is an alternative if you would prefer to handle the claim yourself. The choice is about preference and case complexity, not refund size.
How much does a specialist SDLT refund firm charge?
Most specialists work on a no-win, no-fee basis: you pay nothing if the claim does not succeed. When it does succeed, the typical fee is 25-40% of the refund. The DIY Claim Pack is a flat £19.99 — you keep the full refund but handle the paperwork and HMRC correspondence yourself.
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 case involves uninhabitable property, mixed-use classification, or Multiple Dwellings Relief. Those cases need specialist judgement and case-law knowledge.
Last reviewed: 20 May 2026 by the StampDutyBack team. HMRC repayment-service URL verified against gov.uk.
Ready to Decide?
Choose the route that fits your claim — keep 100% with the DIY pack, or let a specialist handle a complex case.