SDLT Refund Checker

Did you pay the higher rate SDLT surcharge when buying a property while still owning your previous home? If you later sold that previous home within 3 years, you may be able to reclaim thousands from HMRC.

The 3-year rule: Under HMRC guidance on higher rates for residential properties, if you replaced your main residence and sold the old one within 3 years of the new purchase, you can claim a refund of the 5% surcharge (3% for purchases before 31 October 2024). You must apply within 12 months of the disposal.

Check your eligibility

Purchase date of new property

Higher rate SDLT surcharge you paid (£)

This is the extra 5% (or 3% for purchases before 31 Oct 2024) you paid because you already owned another property. Find it on your SDLT return or conveyancer's completion statement.

Have you since sold your previous main residence?

This is not tax or legal advice. This tool provides a preliminary eligibility check only. HMRC will verify all claims. Consult a solicitor or tax adviser before submitting an amended SDLT return.

Sold or planning to sell a rental property?

Calculate your Capital Gains Tax bill and get your 60-day HMRC deadline with our free CGT calculator.

Free CGT Calculator →

Get your full SDLT Optimiser Report — £49

The free checker gives you a quick eligibility answer. The full report gives you everything you need to actually claim.

✓ Detailed eligibility analysis with Sch 4ZA citations
✓ Step-by-step HMRC claim submission guide
✓ Pre-filled claim details for your amended SDLT return
✓ Timing recommendations and deadline alerts
✓ Downloadable PDF to share with your solicitor

Generate full report →

What is the SDLT higher rate surcharge?

Since April 2016, buyers who already own a residential property pay a surcharge on top of standard Stamp Duty Land Tax rates. The surcharge was 3% until 31 October 2024, when it increased to 5% for completions from that date. On a £300,000 property, a 5% surcharge adds £15,000 to your SDLT bill.

The surcharge applies even if the second property is intended to replace your main home — for example, if you buy a new house before completing the sale of your existing one.

Who can claim a refund?

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

You paid the higher rate SDLT surcharge on a residential property purchase
The property you bought replaced your main residence (the one you had previously lived in as your only or main home)
You sold the previous main residence within 3 years of the new purchase
You are applying within 12 months of selling the previous residence

How to apply for the refund

You can claim by filing an amended SDLT return online via HMRC Online Services, or by writing to HMRC SDLT. Most conveyancers can file the amended return on your behalf. HMRC typically processes refunds within 15 working days of receiving a valid claim.

Also sold a rental property?

If you've sold or are planning to sell a rental property, you may also need to report and pay Capital Gains Tax within 60 days of completion. Use our free CGT Calculator to calculate your liability and deadline.