Figures and rules read 22 October 2026

Stamp Duty Changes in 2024 and 2025

Two dates explain most of the confusion in older guides: 31 October 2024 (surcharges) and 1 April 2025 (thresholds).

31 October 2024 — the surcharges rose

The additional-property surcharge went from 3% to 5% percentage points on every band. The flat rate for companies buying residential property above £500,000 went from 15% to 17%. The standard bands did not move.

1 April 2025 — the thresholds fell

The SDLT nil rate band returned to £125,000 from £250,000, and the 2% band reappeared between £125,001 and £250,000. First-time buyer relief returned to £300,000 / £500,000 from £425,000 / £625,000.

What did not change

LBTT in Scotland and LTT in Wales were not part of either change — their bands have been stable since 2021 and 2022 respectively, which is why the gap between the three systems widened.

Which figure applies to you

The rates in force on the effective date — normally completion. A purchase that completed in March 2025 was charged on the old thresholds even if the paperwork finished in April. The SDLT calculator has a date selector for exactly this.

Where to go next

Rules read from GOV.UK, Revenue Scotland and GOV.WALES on 22 October 2026. General information only — not legal or tax advice.