How to beat the Stamp Duty threshold changes

Did you know that stamp duty fees are set to increase for most buyers from the 31st of March 2025 onwards?

The stamp duty thresholds are changing at the end of March. This means that now is a great time to buy and beat the increases! 

So hurry, you could save thousands if you buy now and move in before the end of March.

What is stamp duty?

If you are buying a home in England, you will likely have to pay stamp duty. 

Stamp duty, or Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), is a Government tax which is paid by the buyer of a property. It is paid as a lump sum upon completion.

The tax applies to all property types, whether it be an apartment, house or bungalow. It applies to both freehold and leasehold homes. 

Stamp duty is payable regardless of whether you are buying your new house with a mortgage or outright with cash. 

Why are the stamp duty thresholds changing?

Recently we have been enjoying lower stamp duty threshold bands. This is because the Government temporarily reduced the stamp duty threshold bands in September 2022. 

At the end of March 2025, they are re-increasing the stamp duty threshold bands back to their usual levels. 

What do the stamp duty threshold changes mean for first time buyers?

At their current levels, first-time buyers pay no stamp duty on properties worth up to £425,000. This is called first time buyer relief and has been really helpful for people getting onto the property ladder. 

This threshold will change to £300,000 at the end of March 2025.

This means that if a first-time buyer buys a property at the average UK asking price of £370,759 they will pay £3,538 in stamp duty from March 2025, compared with nothing now.

What do the stamp duty threshold changes mean for home movers?

For home movers the thresholds again are changing. As bandings reduce, Stamp Duty fees will be higher on properties worth £125,001 or more.

For example, if you buy a £250,000 home now, you will pay no stamp duty, but if you buy after the 1st of April 2025 you will pay £5,000 Stamp Duty. 

What do the stamp duty threshold increases mean for people with multiple properties?

Property investors and second home buyers will see an increase in stamp duty payable as the thresholds change. For a second property Stamp Duty payable is subject to an additional 3% fee.

Current Stamp Duty rates

Property purchase price bands     Stamp Duty rate
Up to £250,0000%
£250,001 - £925,0005%
£925,001 - £1,500,00010%
Over £1.5 million12%

Stamp Duty rates after March 31st 2025 for people with a home to sell

Property purchase price bands     Stamp Duty rate
Up to £125,0000%
£125,001 - £250,0002%
£250,001 - £925,0005%
£925,001 - £1,500,00010%
Over £1.5 million12%

Stamp Duty rates after March 31st 2025 for first time buyers

Property purchase price bands     Stamp Duty rate
Up to £300,0000%
£300,001 to £500,0005%

At Avant, we can recommend a new build expert solicitor who can help explain Stamp Duty to you.  

On selected plots you may also find offers to help you pay your Stamp Duty*. 

Your completion date will impact the amount of Stamp Duty paid, so we urge you to get moving quickly to beat the increases on the 31st of March 2025!

If you have a home to sell, ask about our Part Exchange and My Move Made Easy schemes which can get you moving even faster.  

Enquire today! 

*Terms and conditions apply

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