Where the property is decides which tax you pay, not where you live. A buyer from Glasgow purchasing in Manchester pays Stamp Duty Land Tax. A buyer from London purchasing in Edinburgh pays Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Who collects each tax
Stamp Duty Land Tax covers England and Northern Ireland and is collected by HM Revenue and Customs. LBTT covers Scotland and is collected by Revenue Scotland. Land Transaction Tax (LTT) covers Wales and is collected by the Welsh Revenue Authority.
How the bands compare
| Part of the price | Stamp Duty | LBTT | LTT |
|---|---|---|---|
| First slice tax-free up to | £125,000 | £145,000 | £225,000 |
| Top rate | 12% above £1,500,000 | 12% above £750,000 | 12% above £1,500,000 |
| First-time buyer relief | Nothing up to £300,000, 5% to £500,000 | Tax-free band raised to £175,000 | None |
| Extra charge on additional homes | 5% added to each band | 8% of the whole price | Separate higher rates from 5% to 17% |
| Deadline for the return | 14 days after completion | 30 days after the day after the effective date | 30 days after the day after the effective date |
What this means at different prices
At lower prices Wales is usually cheapest because of its high tax-free band. Scotland's rates climb faster above £325,000, so for more expensive homes LBTT is often the largest bill. Use the comparison on the home page to see the figures for your own price.
Every tax is charged in slices
None of the three taxes charges one rate on the whole price. Each rate applies only to the part of the price inside its band. The exception is Scotland's Additional Dwelling Supplement, which is a flat 8% of the whole price.