The Stamp Duty Holiday Explained

• Posted onJuly 9, 2020

Yesterday the Chancellor announced a welcomed ‘holiday’ on stamp duty payments expected to save homebuyers an average of £4,500 and help keep the property market moving.

Under the changes announced, homebuyers will no longer pay tax on the first £500,000 (raised from £125,000) in England and Northern Ireland when purchasing a main residence.

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Stamp Duty is a tax payable by homebuyers purchasing a property in England and Northern Ireland. The amount of Stamp Duty due depends on the price of the property and is payable on both Freehold and Leasehold properties.

What does this mean for Homebuyers?

Any homebuyer who is purchasing a main residence up to the value of £500,000 will not pay any Stamp Duty until 31 March 2021 with immediate effect.

Any homebuyer who is purchasing a property over £500,000 will still pay Stamp Duty but this will be a reduced amount under the changes announced.

The amount of Stamp Duty due can be calculated using this useful calculator; https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro

What about Homebuyers purchasing a second home or an investment property?

The holiday will also benefit homebuyers purchasing second homes / investment properties however homebuyers but will still have to pay the second-home surcharge that was charged under the previous rules.

What if Homebuyers have already Exchanged Contracts?

As Stamp Duty is payable on completion, if homebuyers have already exchanged but not yet completed, they will benefit from the Stamp Duty holiday.

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