Is Stamp Duty About to Change in 2025: What Home Movers and Buyers Need to Know
- Brian Swint
- 2h
- 4 min read
Thinking about buying a house or a flat? You might have seen some headlines about possible changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in the Autumn Budget 2025 (currently scheduled for 26 November). And if those rumours are making you wonder whether to press pause on your house hunt, you're not alone.
If you’re based on the south coast — whether you’re house hunting with a mortgage broker in Brighton, or moving further along to Dorset or Hampshire — Stamp Duty will play a role in your costs.
Stamp Duty Changes 2025: What’s Going On?
Estate agents and property websites are reporting that potential buyers are getting a bit jittery. There's been chatter from Westminster suggesting the government might shake up Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in November, and understandably, people are wondering: should I wait and see what happens?
How Much Stamp Duty Costs in 2025: A Reality Check
First up: pretty much everyone agrees that Stamp Duty is a pain. It's the tax you pay when you buy a property, and it can really add up.
Here’s what it looks like in practice (Stamp Duty rates in 2025 for home movers):
Buying a £150,000 property? You’ll pay £500. (Note, however, that SDLT would be zero for First Time Buyers at this price.)
£300,000 house? That’s £5,000 in tax. (Again, though, STDL would be zero for First-Time Buyers)
£600,000 property? You're looking at £20,000. (And First-Time Buyers aren’t exempt at this level. See the FAQ below for more details.)
£1.2 million home? A hefty £63,750.
That's a lot of money that has to come out of your own pocket, which is why it puts so many people off moving. It's especially tough on first-time buyers who are purchasing a property over £300,000, who are already stretching to save for a deposit.
(Now, if only we knew a mortgage broker in Brighton?🤔)
You can also use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to check how Stamp Duty might affect your overall budget.
Will Stamp Duty Change in 2025? Likely Scenarios
So could Chancellor Rachel Reeves announce a big cut to Stamp Duty? Here’s why it’s unlikely:
She needs to raise money, not give it away. The Chancellor has promised not to hike income tax or VAT, so she's looking for other ways to boost tax revenue. Cutting Stamp Duty would do the opposite.
The housing market isn’t in crisis. Sure, things could be better, but we're not in a pandemic or financial crash situation — those were the times when previous governments rolled out Stamp Duty holidays to stimulate the economy.
Possible Stamp Duty Reforms Buyers Should Know
You might have heard about other potential reforms floating around:
Annual property taxes instead? Some experts have suggested merging Stamp Duty with Council Tax so you'd pay a bit each year rather than a huge lump sum when you buy. It would make moving easier and cheaper. But here's the catch: everyone who wasn't planning to move would suddenly face what feels like a tax hike. That’s political dynamite, and no government has been brave enough to touch it for decades. But maybe this idea is gaining momentum. The Conservative Party, now in opposition, has pledged to abolish Stamp Duty if they win the next election. But the devil will be in the details. And in any case, the next election isn’t due until 2029.
Spreading the cost over several years? This might feel like some relief for buyers, but it doesn't actually reduce what you pay—it just gives you longer to pay it.
Splitting the cost between buyer and seller? Possibly fairer, but it doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of discouraging people from moving.
Stamp Duty 2025: Should You Wait or Buy Now?
If you're ready to move, don’t let speculation about Budget changes freeze you in the headlights. The most likely scenario is that things won’t change dramatically.
Base your decision on what’s right for you and your family, not on newspaper headlines about possible reforms.
And here’s some good news: estate agents are saying that while buyers are hesitant, there are still plenty of properties coming to the market, which could give you an opportunity to negotiate a more competitive price if you're buying now.
If you're a first-time buyer, check out our First-Time Buyer Mortgages guide.
If you're moving home, our Moving Home Mortgages page breaks down your options clearly.
So take a deep breath, focus on what you can control, and happy house hunting!
FAQs: Stamp Duty 2025
Do first-time buyers pay Stamp Duty in 2025?
First-time buyers in England/Northern Ireland pay 0% SDLT on properties up to £300,000, and 5% on the portion between £300,001 and £500,000. If the property costs more than £500,000, first-time buyer relief doesn’t apply, and standard rates will be charged.
Will Stamp Duty rates change in the Autumn Budget 2025?
Possible changes are always mooted, but the current legal rates (from 1 April 2025) are already set, and any further changes would require legislation. Use them as your baseline when planning.
How much Stamp Duty do I pay on a £300,000 house?
If you are a first-time buyer, you would pay 0%, since £300,000 falls under the SDLT first-time exemption threshold.
If you’re not a first-time buyer (i.e. a home mover), under the new 2025 rules, SDLT is 2% on the portion between £125,001 and £250,000, then 5% on the portion between £250,001 and £300,000.
Can I add Stamp Duty to my mortgage?
No — SDLT must be paid at the time of completion (via your solicitor) and cannot be rolled into your mortgage.
Speak to a Mortgage Broker About Stamp Duty 2025
If you’re ready to take the next step, give me a call on 0303 0033 606 or drop me an email at brian.swint@deltamortgages.co.uk for a free, no-obligation chat.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Dorset, a family moving home in Hampshire, or working with a mortgage broker in Brighton, I’d love to hear about your plans and help you get everything moving smoothly.
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