What is Stamp Duty Land Tax?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) was introduced on 1 December 2003. It replaces the 'old' Stamp Duty on purchases of flats, houses and other UK land and buildings. It is very similar to Stamp Duty but there are some differences.
Main changes
Under the previous 'Stamp Duty' you had to submit documents providing all the details of the purchase to the Stamp Office for stamping. It would then be our responsibility as your Solicitor to send the stamped documents to the appropriate Land Registry to register you as the owner of the property.
Under Stamp Duty Land Tax you no longer have to send your documents for stamping. Instead you are now required to complete, sign and submit within thirty days of completion a new form known as the a Land Transaction Return (SDLT1), which contains all of the informatioin required by the Inland Revenue.
Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable as follows:
| Residential Property Price |
Percentage of Stamp
Duty Land Tax Payable |
£125,000 or less |
0% |
£125,001 - £250,000 |
1% |
£250,001 - £ 500,000 |
3% |
£500,001 or more |
4% |
Non-Residential Property Price |
Percentage of Stamp
Duty Land Tax Payable |
£150,000 or less |
0% |
£125,001 - £250,000 |
1% |
£250,001 - £ 500,000 |
3% |
£500,001 or more |
4% |
Stamp Duty Exemption
Depending on which area the property is located, stamp duty can be exempt.
Disadvantaged Areas Relief is available for transactions involving
residential property situated in a
qualifying area where the consideration for the transaction is
£150,000 or less. 
