Tax on acquiring property in Wales

‘Tax is changing in Wales’ advise HMRC: and indeed it is.

From April, the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales take on responsibility for some taxes paid in Wales, and property acquisition is one major area of change. Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is replaced by Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales from 1 April 2018.

Since 1 April 2016, higher rates of SDLT have been charged in Wales on purchases of additional residential property (including second homes), and LTT continues this.

Welsh first-time buyers benefit from the Budget stamp duty relief announced by the Chancellor in his Autumn Budget 2017 - until 31 March 2018. After that, under LTT, the starting threshold for residential rates will be £180,000. According to Welsh Finance Minister, Mark Drakeford, this will take not just the majority of first-time buyers out of tax, but also many others ‘looking to buy a home.’

LTT is set at 0% on residential purchases up to £180,000: 3.5% from £180,000 to £250,000: 5% from £250,000 to £400,000: 7.5% from £400,000 to £750,000: 10% from £750,000 to £1.5m and 12% above this figure.