UK Stamp Duty & Property Tax (2026): SDLT, LBTT & LTT
The tax you pay when you buy a home depends on which UK nation you're buying in — and the three systems have different names, bands and thresholds. Here's each one, with a calculator and a full guide.
| Nation | Purchase tax | Nil-rate band |
|---|---|---|
| 🏴 England & Northern Ireland | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) | £125,000 (£300,000 first-time buyers) |
| 🏴 Scotland | Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) | £145,000 (£175,000 first-time buyers) |
| 🏴 Wales | Land Transaction Tax (LTT) | £225,000 (no first-time buyer relief) |
Why three different systems?
Property transaction tax is devolved. Scotland replaced UK stamp duty with LBTT in 2015, and Wales introduced LTT in 2018; only England and Northern Ireland still use SDLT. The structures are similar — marginal bands, a surcharge for additional properties — but the thresholds differ enough to change your bill by thousands. Always check the system for where you're buying, not where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Is stamp duty the same across the UK?
No — SDLT (England & NI), LBTT (Scotland) and LTT (Wales) each have their own bands.
Which nation has the highest threshold?
Wales, at £225,000, versus £145,000 in Scotland and £125,000 in England & NI.
Do all three have a second-home surcharge?
Yes — England & NI add 5%, Scotland adds 8% (ADS), and Wales uses separate higher rates (5%–17%).
Figures as of June 2026. Rates change at Budgets — verify on GOV.UK, revenue.scot and gov.wales. General information, not regulated financial advice (FCA).