As of September 2021, the UK Stamp Duty rates for first-time buyers were structured in a way to provide relief on properties up to a certain purchase price threshold. For first-time buyers, there was no Stamp Duty payable on the first £300,000 of the property value. However, there was a 5% Stamp Duty applicable on the portion of the property value between £300,001 and £500,000. Example: Let's calculate the Stamp Duty for a first-time buyer purchasing a house for £500,000: No Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 5% Stamp Duty on the remaining £200,000 (£500,000 - £300,000) Calculation: £300,000 (no Stamp Duty) + (£200,000 * 5%) = £300,000 + £10,000 = £310,000 So, as a first-time buyer purchasing a house for £500,000, the Stamp Duty payable would be £10,000.* *Please note that Stamp Duty rules and rates can change, and the example provided is based on information available up to September 2021. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it's important to refer to official government sources or consult with a qualified tax professional.

Stamp Duty rates vary depending on the property's purchase price and whether it is a first-time buyer or additional property purchase. There are different bands and tax rates applicable to each band. Typically, the higher the property's value, the higher the Stamp Duty percentage applied

First-time buyers often enjoy preferential rates, which means they pay lower Stamp Duty or are exempt from paying it up to a certain purchase price threshold. The government has periodically introduced measures to assist first-time buyers in getting onto the property ladder.

If a person is purchasing an additional residential property (e.g., a second home or a buy-to-let property), they are subject to an additional 3% surcharge on top of the regular Stamp Duty rates. This measure aims to deter property investors from buying additional homes and to support first-time buyers.

The amount of Stamp Duty payable is calculated based on the purchase price of the property and the applicable tax rates for each band. For example, if a property is sold for £300,000, the buyer would pay a certain percentage on the portion of the purchase price falling within each band.

The responsibility for paying Stamp Duty lies with the buyer, and they must file a Stamp Duty return and make the payment within a specific timeframe after completing the property purchase.

Since 2018, Wales and Scotland have had their own devolved systems for property taxation. Wales has its version known as the Land Transaction Tax (LTT), and Scotland has the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).