Stamp Duty Changes 2025
What changed, when it changed, and what you pay now.
Rates effective from 1 April 2025What changed on 1 April 2025
The temporary stamp duty cuts introduced during COVID — and extended through March 2025 — have now ended. The changes affect every residential property buyer in England and Northern Ireland.
Standard nil-rate threshold halved
The nil-rate band returned from £250,000 to £125,000. Buyers now pay 2% on the portion between £125,001 and £250,000 where they previously paid nothing.
First-time buyer relief reduced
The nil-rate threshold dropped from £425,000 to £300,000. The maximum property value for relief fell from £625,000 to £500,000.
Additional dwelling surcharge increased to 5%
From 31 October 2024, the surcharge on second homes, buy-to-let properties, and company purchases rose from 3% to 5% — applied on top of the standard rates.
Current SDLT rates (from 1 April 2025)
Standard buyer
| Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| £0 – £125,000 | 0% |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% |
| £925,001 – £1,500,000 | 10% |
| £1,500,001+ | 12% |
First-time buyer
| Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| £0 – £300,000 | 0% |
| £300,001 – £500,000 | 5% |
Property must not exceed £500,000. Above this, standard rates apply with no relief.
Who is most affected
Buyers purchasing between £125,000 and £250,000
Previously paid 0% on the entire price. Now pay 2% on the amount above £125,000. A £250,000 purchase costs £2,500 more in stamp duty.
First-time buyers of properties between £300,000 and £500,000
The nil-rate band shrank from £425,000 to £300,000. A first-time buyer purchasing at £425,000 now pays £6,250 instead of £0.
Landlords and investors
The additional dwelling surcharge rose from 3% to 5% in October 2024. A buy-to-let purchase at £300,000 now carries a surcharge of £15,000 (up from £9,000).
Calculate your stamp duty under the new rates
Enter your purchase price and see exactly what you owe. First-time buyer, standard, additional property — all covered.
Open the SDLT calculatorFrequently asked questions
When did stamp duty change in 2025?
What is the stamp duty nil-rate threshold in 2025?
Did stamp duty go up in April 2025?
Information on this page relates to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses LBTT and Wales uses LTT — different rates apply. Always consult a solicitor for your specific circumstances.