Mortgages Leeds

From 1^st April 2016 there going to be some changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax for buy to let property purchases.

An additional 3% Stamp Duty will be added to the existing rates when purchasing a buy to let or second home. The table below shows the new rates that will be payable:

BUY TO LET STAMP DUTY CHANGES
Band	Existing residential SDLT rates	Rates for BTL’s/2nd purchases
£0 - £125k	0%	3%
£125,001 - £250k	2%	5%
£250,001 - £925k	5%	8%
£925,001 - £1.5m	10%	13%
£1.5m +	12%	15%

It is important to note that spouses/partners will be treated as one unit. Minor children will also be included. So if a spouse/partner already owns a property in their sole name, the purchase of another property in your name will still be liable for the additional charges. You will however be able to claim a refund for the additional Stamp Duty paid if your spouse/partner sells the property within 18 months. This will have to be requested from HMRC.

If a parent is looking to help a child join the housing market they may also be liable. If a parent is named on the deeds it will be classed as a second purchase and therefore liable for the additional rate.

Foreign property is also included. If for example you own a property abroad and are looking to purchase a home in the Britain you will be liable for the additional rate.

There may be a few exemptions to the new rates however they haven’t yet been confirmed by the government. Landlords with 15 or more properties may be exempt from the additional charges. Also properties valued at £40,000 or less do not require a tax return and may not be subject to the higher rates.

The new rates apply to completions that take place after the 1^st April 2016. If however you exchanged on something before 25^th November 2015 and complete after the 1^st April, you will not have to pay the extra charges.

The chart below was published by the government and is a useful tool that illustrates who will be affected by the changes.