Stamp Duty Changes April 2025: What You Need to Know
Comprehensive guide to the April 2025 SDLT changes affecting every property buyer in England and Northern Ireland.
What Changed in April 2025
Standard nil-rate drops to £125,000
Buyers now pay 2% on property between £125,001–£250,000. Previously the first £250,000 was tax-free.
First-time buyer relief reduced
Relief threshold drops from £425,000 to £300,000. Max eligible property drops from £625,000 to £500,000.
Buyers of average UK homes now pay stamp duty
At the UK average price of ~£290,000, buyers now pay approximately £5,000 (previously £2,000).
Before vs After Rate Comparison
Clear comparison showing how the rates changed for standard residential purchases in England.
| Rate Band | Before April 2025 | From April 2025 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard nil-rate | £0 - £250,000 (0%) | £0 - £125,000 (0%) | Halved threshold |
| New 2% band | N/A | £125,001 - £250,000 (2%) | New band |
| FTB nil-rate | £0 - £425,000 (0%) | £0 - £300,000 (0%) | £125k reduction |
| FTB max property | £625,000 | £500,000 | £125k lower cap |
| Additional property surcharge | 5% (changed Oct 2024) | 5% (unchanged) | No change |
2025 Stamp Duty Calculator
Use our updated calculator to see exactly what you'll pay under the new April 2025 rates.
Calculate Your Stamp Duty
Who Is Most Affected?
First-Time Buyers (Most Impacted)
- Relief threshold reduced from £425,000 to £300,000
- Maximum eligible property dropped from £625,000 to £500,000
- Properties £300k-£500k now incur stamp duty for FTBs
Example: A first-time buyer purchasing a £400,000 home now pays £5,000 SDLT (previously £0).
Buyers in £125k-£250k Range
- Now pay 2% on amounts above £125,000
- Previously paid 0% on first £250,000
- Affects most UK property transactions
Example: A £200,000 purchase now costs £1,500 SDLT (previously £0).
Buy-to-Let Investors
The 5% additional property surcharge (introduced October 2024) remains unchanged, but the base rates it applies to have increased for properties in the £125k-£250k range.
Use Buy-to-Let Calculator →Scotland and Wales
These changes do NOT affect Scotland (LBTT) or Wales (LTT). Both countries have their own devolved property tax systems with independent rate-setting powers.