HM Treasury confirmed in October 2026 that the enhanced Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) first-time buyer relief introduced in the Autumn Statement 2022 will remain in place until 31 March 2028. The relief allows first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland to pay no SDLT on the first £425,000 of a residential property and a reduced 5% rate on the portion between £425,001 and £625,000. Properties priced above £625,000 do not qualify for the relief — standard rates apply.
The relief applies to completions on or before 31 March 2028. Contracts exchanged before that date but completing after will not qualify. Buyers should check whether their purchase timetable is realistic given current conveyancing delays. The relevant legislation is Finance Act 2003, s.57AA (as amended). GOV.UK has an SDLT calculator and explains the eligibility conditions in full.
To qualify, the buyer must never previously have owned a residential property anywhere in the world — a strict condition that catches buyers who inherited a share of a property or owned overseas. Instructing a solicitor or licensed conveyancer remains advisable — SDLT returns must be filed within 14 days of completion, and errors attract penalties. The Council for Licensed Conveyancers lists regulated practitioners.