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Scotland LBTT Calculator 2025

Calculate Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for Scottish properties

Calculate Your Stamp Duty

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Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)

Scotland has its own property tax system called LBTT, managed by Revenue Scotland. Key differences from England's SDLT:

  • Higher ADS: 6% surcharge vs England's 5%
  • FTB relief: No price cap (England caps at £625k)
  • Refund window: 18 months vs England's 3 years

LBTT Rates 2025

Standard Rates

BandRate
Up to £145,0000%
£145,001 to £250,0002%
£250,001 to £325,0005%
£325,001 to £750,00010%
Over £750,00012%

For standard residential purchases

First-Time Buyer Rates

BandRate
Up to £175,0000%
£175,001 to £250,0002%
£250,001 to £325,0005%
£325,001 to £750,00010%
Over £750,00012%

£30,000 higher nil rate band

With ADS (6%)

BandRate
Up to £145,0006%
£145,001 to £250,0008%
£250,001 to £325,00011%
£325,001 to £750,00016%
Over £750,00018%

For additional properties

Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS)

Scotland's ADS is a 6% surcharge on additional residential properties. It's higher than England's 5% surcharge.

When ADS Applies:

  • Buying a second home while owning another property
  • Purchasing a buy-to-let investment property
  • Buying any additional residential property
  • Properties owned anywhere in the world count

Example: On a £300,000 second home in Scotland, you'd pay £4,600 LBTT plus £18,000 ADS (6% of £300,000) = £22,600 total.

Example Calculations

Calculation Breakdown

Scotland (LBTT)Standard Rate

Property Price

£250,000

Up to £145,000

on £145,000

£0

£145,001 to £250,000

on £105,000

£2,100

Total Tax Due

£2,100

Effective rate: 0.84%

Calculation Breakdown

Scotland (LBTT)Additional Property

Property Price

£400,000

Up to £145,000

on £145,000

£0

£145,001 to £250,000

on £105,000

£2,100

£250,001 to £325,000

on £75,000

£3,750

£325,001 to £750,000

on £75,000

£7,500

Additional Dwelling Supplement (6%)

on £400,000

£24,000

Additional Property Surcharge

+£24,000

Total Tax Due

£37,350

Effective rate: 9.34%

LBTT vs England SDLT Comparison

Property PriceScotland LBTTEngland SDLTDifference
£200,000£1,100£0+£1,100
£300,000£4,600£2,500+£2,100
£400,000£13,350£7,500+£5,850
£500,000£23,350£12,500+£10,850
£750,000£48,350£25,000+£23,350

Standard rates comparison. Scotland often has lower LBTT for properties under ~£330,000.

Claiming an ADS Refund

If you paid ADS when buying a new main home, you may be able to claim it back if you sell your previous main home within 18 months.

Eligibility

  • • New property is your main residence
  • • Old property was your main residence
  • • Sold old property within 18 months
  • • Claim within 5 years of buying

How to Claim

  • • Submit claim to Revenue Scotland
  • • Provide transaction details
  • • Online or postal applications
  • • Refund typically within 20 days

Note: Scotland's 18-month window is shorter than England's 3-year window. Plan your sale timing carefully.

Understanding LBTT in Scotland

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is the Scottish equivalent of stamp duty, having replaced UK Stamp Duty Land Tax in Scotland from 1 April 2015. It's a progressive tax, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of the purchase price.

How LBTT Differs from English SDLT

While the basic structure is similar, there are important differences. Scotland's rates and thresholds vary from England's, and the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) at 6% is higher than England's 5% surcharge. First-time buyer relief in Scotland has no property price cap, unlike England's £625,000 limit.

Revenue Scotland

LBTT is administered by Revenue Scotland, not HMRC. This means different processes for filing returns, paying tax, and claiming refunds. Your Scottish solicitor will handle the LBTT return as part of the purchase process.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this calculator for any residential property purchase in Scotland. Remember to select the correct buyer type - first-time buyer, standard, or additional property - as this significantly affects the tax due.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LBTT?
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is Scotland's equivalent of stamp duty. It replaced UK Stamp Duty Land Tax in Scotland from April 2015. LBTT is managed by Revenue Scotland, not HMRC.
What is the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS)?
ADS is Scotland's surcharge for additional properties, similar to England's 5% surcharge but at 6%. It applies when you buy a second home, buy-to-let, or any additional residential property while already owning one. ADS is calculated on the total purchase price.
Is there first-time buyer relief in Scotland?
Yes. First-time buyers in Scotland pay no LBTT on the first £175,000 (compared to £145,000 for other buyers). Unlike England, there's no maximum property price limit - you get the relief regardless of what the property costs.
How is LBTT different from SDLT in England?
LBTT has different rate bands and thresholds than England's SDLT. Scotland's ADS is 6% vs England's 5%. Scotland has no price cap for first-time buyer relief. LBTT is administered by Revenue Scotland, while SDLT is managed by HMRC.
Can I get a refund of ADS?
Yes. If you paid ADS when buying a new main residence but sold your previous main home within 18 months, you can apply for an ADS refund. This is shorter than England's 3-year window. You must apply within 5 years.
When do I pay LBTT?
LBTT must be paid within 30 days of the 'effective date' of the transaction (usually completion). Your solicitor typically handles the LBTT return and payment as part of the conveyancing process.

Related Calculators

Official Government Resources

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Stamp Duty Assistant

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