Stamp Duty & Life Events
Marriage, divorce, inheritance and family changes all affect your stamp duty. Know the rules before they catch you out.
Life events can cost or save you thousands
Getting married could lose you £5,000 in first-time buyer relief. A divorce transfer could be completely exempt. Understanding these rules before major life changes is essential.
£0
Divorce court order
£0
Inherited property
5%
Spouse owns property
36
Months refund window
Life Event Guides
Divorce & Separation
Property transfers under a court order are exempt from stamp duty. Learn about buyouts, the 36-month rule, and protecting your position.
- Court order transfers are exempt
- Private buyouts may incur SDLT
- 36-month refund rule may apply
Marriage & Civil Partnership
Married couples are treated as one unit for stamp duty. Your spouse's property history affects your FTB status and surcharge liability.
- Couples treated as single unit
- Spouse's property = your property
- Can lose FTB relief
Inheritance & Bequest
Inheriting property is exempt from stamp duty, but it affects future purchases. Inherited shares over 50% trigger the surcharge.
- No SDLT on inherited property
- Affects future purchase status
- 50%+ share = surcharge applies
Gifting Property
Gifting property to family may still trigger stamp duty if there's an outstanding mortgage. The recipient pays tax on debt assumed.
- Pure gifts are exempt
- Mortgage debt = chargeable
- Surcharge may apply to recipient
Helping Children Buy
Parents helping children buy property need to understand joint ownership implications, gifted deposits, and guarantor arrangements.
- Joint ownership = surcharge risk
- Gifted deposits are fine
- Consider guarantor instead
Retirement & Downsizing
Downsizing in retirement? If you own multiple properties or are buying before selling, the surcharge and refund rules apply.
- Replacement main residence rules
- 36-month refund available
- Chain timing considerations
Calculate Your Stamp Duty
See how your circumstances affect your stamp duty bill with our free calculator.
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