Stamp Duty Land Tax
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is riddled with traps that can cost property buyers thousands, yet many go unnoticed during the standard conveyancing process. Our advisory team specialises in spotting and solving those hidden issues before they become expensive mistakes, giving you confidence that the right tax is paid from day one.
A frequent oversight is Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR). Annexes or self-contained units within a larger property often qualify, but busy conveyancers may not dig deep enough to see the opportunity. We carry out a detailed review of floor plans, access points and services to establish whether MDR is available, then prepare the supporting analysis HMRC expects, saving clients significant sums.
Mixed-use properties present a different challenge. If even a small commercial element exists—such as farmland, workshops or ground-floor retail, SDLT should be charged at the lower non-residential rates. Misclassification pushes the bill up to residential levels, plus a 3% surcharge. We gather evidence, draft a robust position paper and liaise with HMRC where needed to ensure the correct (and cheaper) mixed-use treatment is secured.
Finally, the notorious 3% additional dwelling surcharge catches many purchasers who already own a property. Complex replacement-of-main-residence rules and tight refund windows create room for error. We analyse timing, ownership structures and intention to determine whether the surcharge genuinely applies and, if it’s been over-paid, handle the reclaim on your behalf. In short, we turn intricate SDLT regulations into clear savings while keeping you fully compliant.
