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SDLT Advice – Stamp Duty Land Tax Experts

Getting Right SDLT Advice From Professional SDLT Experts

Clear, Expert Guidance on Stamp Duty Land Tax

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is one of the most commonly misunderstood property taxes in the UK. Whether you’re buying a home, expanding a buy-to-let portfolio, or completing a corporate property transaction, getting right SDLT Advice is essential.

Our specialist team, which includes solicitors and other highly qualified experts, provides comprehensive sdlt advice and support on all aspects of SDLT.

Our experienced SDLT advisers help you determine exactly what you owe, claim any reliefs available, and avoid unnecessary disputes or penalties from HMRC. We take a tailored approach for our clients, ensuring their needs are met and highlighting the satisfaction of previous clients who have benefited from our expertise.

What Is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

SDLT is a tax payable when you purchase land or property in England or Northern Ireland (including residential property, commercial property, and enveloped dwellings). The amount due depends on the purchase price, the type of property, and your personal circumstances. For example:

  • Residential vs. commercial or mixed-use property
  • Whether it’s your main residence, an additional residential property, a second home, only residential property, more than one property, overseas property, or a holiday home
  • Whether you’re a UK resident or non-resident
  • Corporate or trust ownership structures

SDLT rates and reliefs are applicable depending on the transaction concerned, the buyer’s or purchaser’s status (such as first time buyer, non uk residents, civil partnership), and the market value and interest in the property.

 

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    Different rules apply for various property transactions, and SDLT is determined based on the grounds, ownership structure, and whether the property is a previous main residence, new main residence, or primary residence.

    SDLT is also relevant for a uk purchase by overseas owners, and residence for tax purposes or other tax purposes may affect the calculation.

    First time buyers may be eligible for first time buyer’s relief, and time buyers and first time buyer status can impact SDLT liability.

    Because SDLT rules and rates change regularly, and many exemptions and reliefs are narrowly defined, professional advice can often save you thousands of pounds.

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    Who Needs SDLT Advice?

    You may benefit from professional SDLT advice if you are advising clients on property transactions, or if you are:

    • A homebuyer or mover – to check whether higher rates apply and if you qualify for any reliefs
    • A buy-to-let landlord or investor – to understand the impact of the 3% surcharge on additional dwellings
    • A property developer or business – to structure property transactions efficiently and avoid unexpected liabilities
    • A solicitor, accountant or financial adviser – advising your clients on complex property transactions and seeking specialist input
    • A non-UK resident – affected by the additional 2% non-resident surcharge
    • A company or partnership – undertaking group transfers or incorporations

    Even seemingly straightforward purchases can hide SDLT complications. A short review before completion can prevent costly mistakes later.

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    Our SDLT Advice and Consultancy Services

    We provide a comprehensive range of SDLT services for individuals, companies, and professional advisers.

    1. Pre-Transaction SDLT Planning

    • Review of draft contracts or heads of terms, including confirming the effective date of the transaction concerned for SDLT purposes
    • Clarification of residential, non-residential or mixed-use status
    • Advice on lease premiums, variations and lease extensions
    • Structuring of group or corporate transactions

    2. SDLT Reliefs and Exemptions

    • Multiple dwellings relief (MDR): Certain reliefs, such as MDR, must be claimed and are only applicable in specific circumstances, such as when purchasing more than one dwelling in a single transaction. Claiming MDR can reduce the overall SDLT liability. MDR has been abolished from 1 June 2024
    • Group relief and reconstruction relief: These reliefs are only applicable to qualifying transactions between companies within the same group or as part of a corporate reconstruction. They must be claimed through the appropriate land transaction return.
    • Reliefs for charities, social housing and corporate reorganisations: Reliefs for charities, social housing providers, and corporate reorganisations are only applicable if the relevant conditions are met. These reliefs must be claimed to benefit from reduced or nil SDLT rates.
    • Advice on uninhabitable and mixed-use property scenarios: We provide guidance on when reliefs or exemptions may be applicable for uninhabitable or mixed-use properties, and how these must be claimed to ensure the correct SDLT treatment.

     

    3. SDLT Return and Calculation Review

    • Second opinions on conveyancer-prepared returns
    • Verification of calculations in joint or complex purchases, including ensuring the correct amount of SDLT has been paid
    • Identification of overpaid SDLT or missed reliefs

    4. SDLT Refunds and HMRC Enquiries

    • Preparation of refund claims within HMRC time limits, ensuring clients do not pay more SDLT than necessary
    • Handling and negotiation of HMRC correspondence
    • Representation at appeal or tribunal if required

    Our written reports clearly explain the facts, our technical analysis, and our recommendations in English.

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    Why Choose Our SDLT Specialists

    Deep, Specialist Expertise

    SDLT is one of the most complex areas of UK property taxation. Our consultants focus exclusively on SDLT and related property tax issues, ensuring you receive accurate, current, and practical advice.

    Independent and Transparent

    We are not affiliated with claims companies or “refund” promoters. Our advice is independent, evidence-based, and backed by detailed tax law analysis never aggressive or artificial schemes.

    Fixed Fees and Fast Turnaround

    We offer clear fixed-fee quotes before work begins and can often review straightforward cases within one working day.

    Support for Other Professionals

    We regularly assist conveyancers, accountants and law firms that require a specialist SDLT opinion or expert witness report.

    Our team can also help with SDLT returns that require local authority codes or compliance with local authority requirements.

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    Common SDLT Issues We Advise On

    • Applying higher rates for additional dwellings
    • Determining mixed-use or non-residential status
    • Claiming main residence replacement refunds
    • SDLT implications when you sell, are selling, or have sold a previous main residence, including how the timing of the sale can affect eligibility for stamp duty surcharge exemptions or refunds
    • Complex SDLT case scenarios, such as those involving multiple properties, unusual ownership structures, or specific situations impacting SDLT liability and reliefs
    • Non-resident surcharge calculations
    • Property transfers between spouses or companies
    • SDLT implications of business incorporation
    • Responding to HMRC enquiries or penalties

    If you’ve been approached by a “refund” company or received an HMRC letter about your SDLT return, speak to a genuine expert before taking any action.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is SDLT charged on?

    SDLT applies to purchases of property or land in England and Northern Ireland, including freehold and leasehold interests, lease extensions, and some transfers of rights or options. The purchaser is responsible for paying SDLT. SDLT is calculated based on the market value of the property at the time of the transaction.

    Can I reclaim overpaid SDLT?

    Yes, but strict time limits apply — typically within 12 months and 14 days of the transaction. We can review your file and determine whether a valid claim exists.

    Do I need advice if my solicitor already submitted my SDLT return?

    In most cases, conveyancers file SDLT returns correctly for straightforward purchases. However, complex cases involving mixed use, annexes, multiple dwellings or non-standard structures often require specialist review.

    Does SDLT apply in Scotland or Wales?

    No — Scotland and Wales operate their own systems (LBTT and LTT respectively).

    Request an SDLT Review or Consultation

    Unsure whether your SDLT was calculated correctly or whether you qualify for a refund or relief? Our expert team can review your position and provide a clear, independent assessment.

    Get in touch today to arrange a confidential SDLT consultation and ensure you’re paying only what you owe – no more, no less.

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