First-Time Buyer Stamp Duty Guide
Everything you need to know about first-time buyer relief, eligibility, and savings in 2026.
In this article
Key Points for First-Time Buyers (January 2026)
- •No stamp duty on properties up to £300,000
- •5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000
- •Properties over £500,000 do not qualify for relief
- •Applies to England and Northern Ireland only
What is First-Time Buyer Relief?
First-time buyer relief is a stamp duty discount available to people purchasing their first residential property in England or Northern Ireland. It was introduced in November 2017 to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder.
Following the April 2025 changes, the relief allows first-time buyers to pay no stamp duty on properties up to £300,000, and a reduced rate of 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000.
Am I Eligible for FTB Relief?
To qualify as a first-time buyer for stamp duty purposes, you must:
- Have never owned a property anywhere in the world
- Be purchasing a residential property to live in as your main residence
- Be buying a property valued at £500,000 or less
- Be purchasing in England or Northern Ireland
Important: Joint Purchases
If you're buying with someone else, both buyers must be first-time buyers to qualify for the relief. If one person has owned property before, neither buyer can claim first-time buyer relief.
How Much Can You Save?
The savings depend on the property price. Here are some examples:
| Property Price | Standard SDLT | FTB SDLT | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| £250,000 | £2,500 | £0 | £2,500 |
| £300,000 | £5,000 | £0 | £5,000 |
| £400,000 | £10,000 | £5,000 | £5,000 |
| £500,000 | £15,000 | £10,000 | £5,000 |
Properties Over £500,000
If the property price exceeds £500,000, you cannot claim first-time buyer relief at all. You will pay standard stamp duty rates on the entire purchase price, the same as any other buyer.
How to Claim FTB Relief
You don't need to apply separately for first-time buyer relief. Your solicitor or conveyancer will claim the relief on your behalf when they submit your SDLT return to HMRC after completion.
Make sure you inform your solicitor that you're a first-time buyer and provide any evidence they request to confirm your eligibility.
Scotland and Wales
First-time buyer relief works differently in Scotland and doesn't exist in Wales:
- Scotland: First-time buyers pay no LBTT on properties up to £175,000 (compared to £145,000 for other buyers)
- Wales: There is no first-time buyer relief - all buyers pay the same LTT rates
Always check current rates and thresholds before purchasing.
Calculate Your First-Time Buyer Stamp Duty
Use our free calculator to see exactly how much you'll pay.
Emma Richardson, MRICS
Chartered Surveyor & Property Tax Specialist
Emma Richardson is a RICS-qualified Chartered Surveyor with over 12 years of experience in UK property taxation. She founded Stamp Duty Calculator to help buyers understand the complex world of property transaction taxes.