This website uses cookies, by continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. View our privacy policy.
WS News story image

Stamp Duty Land Tax – Individuals

04 July 2016 • HMRC, Tax Videos

 

As of 1 April 2016, those acquiring an additional property will need to be aware of higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax. Buyers are required to pay 3% on top of the normal bands which can be as high as 15%.

Conditions - There are four conditions for the higher rate to apply for individuals. These include the value of the interest, the number of interests owned including non-UK dwellings and whether the property is going to be a main residence, as the higher rate does not usually apply to replacing your home.

Pitfalls – There are certain pitfalls to try and avoid including:

  • Where a property is bought jointly, if one purchaser is subject to the higher rate tax, the entire transaction will be too. 
  • If the property is purchased by an individual, their spouse or civil partner are treated as a joint purchaser, and each of their interests in dwellings are combined, increasing the potential of the transaction being higher rate.

Multiple transactions - If two or more dwellings are purchased in a single or linked transaction, the buyer could be entitled to Multiple Dwellings Relief. This works out the mean consideration of each dwelling in the transaction and is subject to a minimum rate of tax of 1%. Where six or more dwellings are purchased in a single transaction, the purchaser can choose whether to apply the non-residential rates of SDLT.

Stamp Duty Land Tax - Companies

For Companies, Stamp Duty Land Tax is charged at 15% on residential properties costing more than £500,000.

Where a transaction would not trigger the 15% rate, it will still be subject to the additional 3% even if it is the only residential property that the company owns. There are no special exemptions from the higher rate for companies. This said, the higher rate does not apply to non-residential or mixed use properties, transactions with a consideration of less than £40,000 and caravans, houseboats and mobile homes.

Reliefs - There are SDLT reliefs available from the 15% rate for certain types of properties including rental properties or properties acquired for development, redevelopment or trading. There is no similar relief from the higher rate tax. Tax relief, however, can be clawed back if, for example, within 3 years the use of the property changes from the relief initially claimed or a connected person occupies the property.

Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings

This is a daily tax, paid annually, by Companies, at the beginning of the financial year for companies owning residential properties valued at over £500,000. The current valuation date is 1 April 2012 however this will move to 1 April 2017 for the next chargeable year. The charge is dependent on the value of the property, and a return needs to be filed and the tax paid annually by 30 April.

Reliefs - Like with Stamp Duty Land Tax, similar reliefs are available from the ATED charge, however the ATED reliefs are fully changeable. Some properties including hotels, care homes and prisons are not considered dwellings and are exempt.

“Attention to detail, breathtaking practicality, demonstrable value and practical implementation has been a Warrener Stewart USP that we've enjoyed and now couldn't live without.”
James Beagrie - Meon Valley Travel Group