A remortgage is where there is already a mortgage on the property that will be paid off and replaced by another mortgage.

A transfer of equity is where…

Choose ‘Freehold’ if it is a freehold transaction or you are acquiring an existing lease.

Choose ‘leasehold’ if it is a new lease.

Select Linked transaction if you are purchasing multiple transactions (such as a house and separate plot of land) sold by the same vendor to the same purchaser (you) however each transaction has a separate contract.

Select Islamic finance if you are purchasing using an Islamic mortgage scheme to enable you to purchase a property whilst still complying with Sharia Law.

Select Shared ownership scheme if you are purchasing using the government-backed part-buy / part-rent scheme that allows first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder.

Select Right to Buy if 

Select New Build if 

Select Additional bare land / grounds if 

Select Trusts if

Select Wills / inheritance if

Select Divorce if

In order to count as a first-time buyer, a purchaser must not, either alone or with others, have previously acquired a major interest in a dwelling or an equivalent interest in land situated anywhere in the world.

Yes must be selected if any purchaser has ever bought a property; inherited a property; or are a beneficiary of a trust that owns a property.

If you are unsure please provide an explanation of your circumstance in the additional details section, or ask our webchat.

When You May Not Qualify for First Time Buyer Relief

First Time Buyer relief is only available if all buyers meet the criteria and the property will be used as a main residence.

You can lose your eligibility for First Time Buyer relief if you have owned, or are treated as owning, a property before even if it wasn’t in a straightforward way. This includes:

1. Inherited property

If you’ve ever inherited a property (or a share in one), HMRC treats this as previous ownership even if you never lived in it or later sold it.

2. Property held in a trust

If you have a beneficial interest in a property through a trust, this may count as ownership, depending on the structure of the trust.

3. Rights to use property (usufructs)

In some cases, having a legal right to use or benefit from a property (even if you don’t legally own it) can be treated as an interest in that property.

4. Owning property outside the UK

If you have owned a residential property anywhere in the world, not just in the UK, you are unlikely to qualify as a first-time buyer.

5. Your spouse owns (or has owned) property

If your spouse or civil partner owns, or has previously owned, a residential property, this can affect your eligibility even if the property is not in your name.

6. Buying with a spouse who is not a first-time buyer

If you are purchasing jointly with a spouse or civil partner who has owned property before, the relief will not apply to the purchase.

7. Buying with someone who won’t live in the property

If you’re buying jointly with someone who will not use the property as their main home (for example, a parent or investor), you may not qualify.

8. The property won’t be your main home

First Time Buyer relief only applies if you intend to live in the property as your main residence. If you’re buying it as a second home, rental, or investment, the relief won’t apply.

You are generally treated as a non-UK resident for SDLT purposes if you have spent fewer than 183 days in the UK during the 12 months before your purchase completes.

This rule applies to:

• Individuals buying property personally

• Companies and certain other entities (which are usually treated as non-UK resident by default unless specific conditions are met)

What this means in practice:

• The 2% surcharge is added to all the standard SDLT bands

• It applies to both freehold and leasehold purchases

• It can apply whether the property is your main home or an additional property

Important notes:

• Your residency status is tested at the point the purchase completes

In some cases, you may be able to claim a refund of the 2% surcharge if you go on to spend enough time in the UK (183 days or more) within a set period after the purchase