News & events

Press Releases

Sort by:

Press Office

For all media enquiries contact Edwards Harvey PR on 01622 604600 or email enquiries@edwardsharvey.com

You are here: Home > News & events > Press Releases > Calling all first-time buyers...

Calling all first-time buyers...

15 February 2012

Time is running out for Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief

Time is running out for first-time buyers who are looking to purchase property this year with the benefit of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief, says Anna Whittle, a solicitor and conveyancing expert with leading south east law firm Furley Page.

The Government’s holiday on SDLT is coming to an end on 24 March 2012 and first-time home buyers have until then to claim the relief available on properties up to a value of £250,000, subject to qualifying criteria being met.

A first-time buyer is someone who has not previously owned a property anywhere in the world. Under the scheme a first-time buyer can save up to £2,500 in SDLT.

Any sale with a completion date of 25 March 2012 or later cannot benefit from the SDLT relief, irrespective of the date of any contract or agreement. The completion date is the agreed date you move into the house. If contracts have only been exchanged, i.e. the date the deposit monies are paid, by that time the relief will not be available and SDLT will be payable at the following rates on the whole purchase price:

Purchase Price    

Up to £125,000 - SDLT Zero
Over £125,000 to £250,000 - SDLT 1%
Over £250,000 to £500,000 - SDLT 3%
Over £500,000 to £1 million - SDLT 4%
Over £1 million - SDLT 5%

Furley Page is an accredited member of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme, which guarantees a recognised quality standard of service in the home buying process. Conveyancing experts are based at the firm’s three offices in Kent at Canterbury, Whitstable and Chatham.

If you fit the criteria needed for first-time buyer relief you should act quickly to take advantage of the tax savings. For more information contact Anna Whittle on 01227 274241.


Notes to editors

Conveyancing Quality Scheme

Furley Page is an accredited member of the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme. The scheme guarantees a recognised quality standard of service in the home buying process and is seen as a mark of excellence. The benefits for home buyers and those selling properties is that they know Furley Page meets the rigorous standards of service set by the Law Society.


‹ Back

Quick contact

Furley Page Solicitors in Kent, London, Canterbury, Chatham & Whitstable
Get in touch on 0845 603 10 57