What is the first-time buyer stamp duty relief limit in 2026/27?

Full answer

First-time buyer (FTB) Stamp Duty Land Tax relief reduces the SDLT payable when purchasing your first home in England. The relief has been a permanent fixture since 2017 (with threshold changes over time). **2026/27 First-Time Buyer SDLT Rates** | Band | FTB Rate | |---|---| | Up to £300,000 | 0% | | £300,001--£500,000 | 5% | | Above £500,000 | Relief withdrawn -- standard rates apply | **Key rule: £500,000 ceiling** If the property price is above £500,000, the first-time buyer relief is entirely withdrawn and standard SDLT rates apply from £0. This is an all-or-nothing cliff edge at £500,000. **Worked Examples** *Example 1 -- FTB buying at £280,000:* - £0--£280,000: 0% - **Total SDLT: £0** (saving £3,100 vs standard rates) *Example 2 -- FTB buying at £400,000:* - £0--£300,000: 0% = £0 - £300,001--£400,000: 5% x £100,000 = £5,000 - **Total SDLT: £5,000** (saving £5,000 vs standard rates of £10,000) *Example 3 -- FTB buying at £500,000:* - £0--£300,000: 0% = £0 - £300,001--£500,000: 5% x £200,000 = £10,000 - **Total SDLT: £10,000** (saving £5,000 vs standard rates of £15,000) *Example 4 -- FTB buying at £501,000 (over the limit):* - Standard rates apply: £0 + £2,500 + £12,550 = **£15,050** - No relief whatsoever -- the buyer pays £5,050 more than at £500,000 **Who qualifies as a first-time buyer?** - Must not have previously owned a residential property anywhere in the world - All purchasers must be first-time buyers (if buying jointly, all buyers must qualify) - The property must be intended as your main residence **Shared ownership** First-time buyers using shared ownership schemes may also be eligible for FTB relief on the portion they purchase, or can opt to pay SDLT on the full market value at the start to avoid paying again on staircasing.

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