Stamp duty for first-time buyers in 2026
Updated 9 November 2026 · Rates checked against the official sources below
In England and Northern Ireland first-time buyers pay no stamp duty on the first £300,000 and 5% on the part up to £500,000. Above £500,000 the relief disappears completely. Scotland gives a smaller relief and Wales has none.
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
You, and everyone you're buying with, must never have owned a home (or a share of one) anywhere in the world, including through inheritance, and you must intend to live in the property as your main home. If one buyer has owned before, the relief isn't available to any of you.
England and Northern Ireland
The rates for first-time buyers are 0% up to £300,000 and 5% from £300,001 to £500,000. If the price is £500,001 or more, normal rates apply to the whole price.
| Price | First-time buyer | Home mover | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| £250,000 | £0 | £2,500 | £2,500 |
| £300,000 | £0 | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| £350,000 | £2,500 | £7,500 | £5,000 |
| £400,000 | £5,000 | £10,000 | £5,000 |
| £450,000 | £7,500 | £12,500 | £5,000 |
| £500,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £5,000 |
| £550,000 | £17,500 | £17,500 | £0 |
The £550,000 row shows the cliff edge: one pound over £500,000 and the saving goes to zero.
Scotland (LBTT)
First-time buyer relief raises the 0% band from £145,000 to £175,000, worth up to £600. On a £250,000 home a first-time buyer pays £1,500 instead of £2,100. There's no upper price limit.
Wales (LTT)
Wales has no first-time buyer relief, but nobody pays LTT on the first £225,000, so many first-time buyers pay nothing anyway.
Shared ownership
First-time buyers can also claim relief on shared ownership homes. See our shared ownership guide.
Sources
- GOV.UK: SDLT residential rates
- Revenue Scotland: LBTT residential rates
- Welsh Government: LTT rates and bands
General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules can change; check gov.uk or ask a conveyancer, accountant or Acas before you rely on it.