Autumn Budget: Stamp duty hike on second homes spells bad news for landlords

The stamp duty surcharge on second homes will rise from 3% to 5% in “another nail in the coffin” for buy-to-let landlords

"To let" sign beneath window of UK apartment
(Image credit: Tim Grist Photography via Getty Images)

The stamp duty payable on the purchase of second homes will rise by two percentage points, after chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the measure in her Autumn Budget. Those buying second homes already pay a surcharge of 3%, but this is set to rise to 5% from tomorrow.

The government says the measure will support first-time buyers and those purchasing a main residence, giving them “a comparative advantage over those purchasing additional property”.

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Property valueSDLT rate on second properties
Up to £250,0005%
The next £675,000 (the portion from £250,001 to £925,000)10%
The next £575,000 (the portion from £925,001 to £1.5 million)15%
The remaining amount (the portion above £1.5 million)17%
Katie Williams
Staff Writer

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance, politics, and investing. She enjoys translating complex topics into easy-to-understand stories to help people make the most of their money.

Katie believes investing shouldn’t be complicated, and that demystifying it can help normal people improve their lives.

Before joining the MoneyWeek team, Katie worked as an investment writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm. She joined the company as a graduate in 2019. While there, she wrote about the global economy, bond markets, alternative investments and UK equities.

Katie loves writing and studied English at the University of Cambridge. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the theatre, reading novels, travelling and trying new restaurants with friends.