BETAThis calculator is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult HMRC or a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Second Home Stamp Duty Calculator 2025

Calculate SDLT on additional properties including the 5% surcharge

Calculate Your Stamp Duty

£

5% Additional Property Surcharge

When buying a second home in England or Northern Ireland, you pay an additional 5% surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates. This applies to the entire purchase price, starting from £0.

  • England & NI: 5% surcharge on all bands
  • Scotland: 6% Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS)
  • Wales: 4% higher rate surcharge

Second Home SDLT Rates 2025

These rates apply when you already own a residential property and are buying an additional one. The surcharge is added to every band.

Second Home Stamp Duty Rates (England & NI)

BandRate
Up to £250,0005%
£250,001 to £925,00010%
£925,001 to £1.5m15%
Over £1.5m17%

Includes 5% additional property surcharge. Scotland has 6% ADS, Wales has 4% higher rates.

Compare Second Home Rates by Region

See how stamp duty on a £400,000 second home compares across UK regions.

Stamp Duty Comparison by Region

Property price: £400,000

RegionStandardAdditional
England£7,500£19,500
Scotland£13,350£37,350
Wales£10,500£25,950

Claiming a Stamp Duty Refund

If you paid the 5% surcharge when buying your new main home, you may be eligible for a refund if you sell your previous main residence within 3 years.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You paid the higher rate (surcharge) when buying your new home
  • Your old property was your main residence
  • You sold your old property within 3 years of buying the new one
  • You claim within 12 months of selling (or 12 months from the filing deadline)

Example: You buy a £500,000 second home while owning your old house. You pay £37,500 stamp duty (including £25,000 surcharge). You sell your old house 18 months later. You can claim back the £25,000 surcharge from HMRC.

Second Home vs Standard Rates

Property PriceStandard RateSecond HomeSurcharge Paid
£250,000£0£12,500£12,500
£350,000£5,000£22,500£17,500
£500,000£12,500£37,500£25,000
£750,000£25,000£62,500£37,500
£1,000,000£41,250£91,250£50,000

When the Surcharge Doesn't Apply

Low Value Properties

Properties under £40,000 are exempt from the additional surcharge.

Replacing Main Residence

If you're replacing your only/main residence and sell within 3 years, you can claim a refund.

Mobile Homes & Caravans

Caravans, mobile homes, and houseboats are not subject to the additional surcharge.

Inherited Properties

Properties inherited in the last 3 years (with less than 50% share) may be disregarded.

Understanding Second Home Stamp Duty in 2025

If you're buying a second home, holiday property, or any additional residential property in the UK, you'll face higher stamp duty rates than standard purchasers. The government introduced the additional dwelling surcharge in 2016 to help cool the property market and give first-time buyers a better chance.

The 5% Surcharge Explained

In England and Northern Ireland, the surcharge is 5% and applies to the entire purchase price. Unlike standard stamp duty bands which apply to portions of the price, the 5% surcharge is calculated on the whole amount. For a £500,000 property, that's an extra £25,000 in tax.

Regional Differences

Scotland's Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) is 6% - higher than England. Wales applies a 4% higher rate to additional properties. These rates are set by the devolved governments and may change independently of England's SDLT rates.

Planning Ahead

If you're buying a new main residence before selling your old one, consider the timing carefully. The 3-year window for refunds gives you flexibility, but market conditions may affect how quickly you can sell. Our calculator helps you understand the full cost so you can plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a second home for stamp duty purposes?
A second home is any additional residential property you buy while still owning another residential property. This includes holiday homes, investment properties, buy-to-lets, and properties bought for family members. Even properties owned overseas count towards the surcharge.
What is the second home stamp duty surcharge?
In England and Northern Ireland, you pay an additional 5% on top of standard SDLT rates when buying a second home. This applies to the entire purchase price, starting from £0. In Scotland, the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) is 6%, and in Wales, the higher rate surcharge is 4%.
Can I avoid the second home surcharge?
There are limited exemptions: properties under £40,000 are exempt, and you won't pay the surcharge if you're replacing your only or main residence (you must sell the old one within 3 years). Mobile homes, caravans, and houseboats are also exempt.
Can I get a refund of the surcharge?
Yes, if you paid the 5% surcharge when buying your new main residence but then sold your previous main residence within 3 years, you can claim a refund. You must apply to HMRC within 12 months of selling your old property.
Do married couples pay the surcharge on a second home?
Yes, married couples and civil partners are treated as one unit. If either partner owns a property, any new purchase will attract the surcharge unless the existing property is being replaced as your main residence.
What is the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) in Scotland?
Scotland's ADS is a 6% surcharge on additional properties, higher than England's 5%. It applies to the total purchase price of residential properties over £40,000 when the buyer already owns one or more properties.

Related Calculators

Official Government Resources

2
Stamp Duty Assistant

I can help you calculate stamp duty for your second home. What's the property price and where is it located?

Powered by CopilotKit