First-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland pay less stamp duty than other buyers, as long as the property costs £500,000 or less.
The rates
- 0% on the first £300,000
- 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000
If the price is over £500,000 you can't claim the relief at all, and you pay the standard rates on the whole price.
| Price | First-time buyer | Home mover | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| £250,000 | £0 | £2,500 | £2,500 |
| £300,000 | £0 | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| £400,000 | £5,000 | £10,000 | £5,000 |
| £500,000 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £5,000 |
| £550,000 | £17,500 | £17,500 | £0 |
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
You must never have owned a home, or a share of one, anywhere in the world, including through inheritance. You must also intend to live in the property as your main home. If you're buying with someone else, you both have to be first-time buyers to get the relief.
Scotland and Wales
In Scotland, first-time buyers get a higher LBTT nil-rate band of £175,000, saving up to £600. Wales has no first-time buyer relief, but no Land Transaction Tax is due on homes up to £225,000.
Check your figure with the stamp duty calculator and see what you can borrow with the mortgage affordability calculator.
Last reviewed October 2026.