Answers · UK 2025/26
How much Stamp Duty does a first-time buyer pay in the UK?
In England/NI a first-time buyer pays no SDLT up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion £300,000–£500,000. Above £500,000 the relief disappears entirely. Scotland has a £175,000 FTB threshold; Wales has no first-time buyer relief.
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First-time buyer SDLT relief in England and Northern Ireland (2025/26): 0% on the first £300,000 of the purchase price, 5% on £300,001–£500,000. The relief is only available if the purchase price is no more than £500,000 — buy a property for £500,001 and you pay full standard SDLT from £1. To qualify, every buyer must be a first-time buyer (never owned a residential property anywhere in the world) and intend to occupy it as a main residence. Scotland (LBTT): first-time buyer 0% threshold is £175,000, saving up to £600. Wales (LTT): no first-time buyer relief at all — everyone pays standard rates from £225,000. If you have a Lifetime ISA you can also withdraw funds (plus the 25% government bonus) for a first home up to £450,000 without penalty.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.