Measure

Stamp duty land tax – Increase to the flat-rate charge for corporate acquisitions   

The measure

The single rate of SDLT payable by some companies and other non-natural persons when purchasing residential properties in England and Northern Ireland worth more than £500,000, will be increased from 15% to 17%. 

 

Who will be affected?

Companies and other non-natural persons purchasing high-value residential property in England and Northern Ireland. 

 

When will the measure come into effect?

The increased rates will apply from 31 October 2024. The increased rate will not apply where contracts were exchanged before 31 October 2024, subject to certain transitional rules. 

Our view

This change effectively keeps such corporate purchasers in a higher rate environment than individuals buying additional properties. The change may not have a material impact given the relatively low number of companies who incur this charge.