SDLT Refund Checker UK

Check if you are eligible for a stamp duty refund. Covers the 5% additional dwelling surcharge, uninhabitable properties, multiple dwellings, mixed-use, and more.

Thousands of property buyers overpay stamp duty every year without realising they could claim a refund. The most common scenario is the higher-rate surcharge for additional dwellings — 5% of the purchase price for completions on or after 31 October 2024, and 3% for completions before that date. If you sell your previous main residence within 36 months of buying the new one, you can reclaim the surcharge in full from HMRC.

Other refund routes include purchases of uninhabitable properties (which may qualify for non-residential rates), multiple dwellings relief on bulk purchases, and mixed-use claims where part of the property is commercial. Each relief has strict eligibility criteria, and the claim window is typically four years from the effective date of the transaction.

HMRC data shows that the higher-rate surcharge raised approximately £4.6 billion in 2023/24, with successful refund claims running into hundreds of millions (HMRC SDLT Statistics). If any of these scenarios apply to you, it is worth checking your eligibility.

How this checker works

  1. Enter the purchase price and completion date, then answer a series of questions about your circumstances at the time of purchase. The completion date sets the surcharge rate used (5% from 31 October 2024, 3% before).
  2. The tool checks each refund route — surcharge reclaim, uninhabitable property, multiple dwellings relief, and mixed-use — against your answers.
  3. If eligible, you receive an estimated refund amount and guidance on how to submit your claim to HMRC.

Written by the CalcStack team

Figures for the 2026/27 UK tax yearlast verified Sources: GOV.UK Stamp Duty Land Tax, GOV.UK SDLT residential rates

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The additional dwelling surcharge is 5% for completions on or after 31 October 2024 and was 3% before that date. If you leave this blank, the current 5% rate is assumed.

Select all scenarios that apply to you:

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a stamp duty refund?▾
Yes, in several circumstances. The most common is reclaiming the additional dwelling surcharge when you sell your previous main residence within 3 years. The surcharge is 5% of the purchase price for completions on or after 31 October 2024, and was 3% for completions before that date. You may also be eligible if you overpaid due to an uninhabitable property, multiple dwellings, or mixed-use classification.
How long do I have to claim an SDLT refund?▾
For the additional dwelling surcharge refund after selling your previous home, you have 12 months from the sale date or 12 months from the SDLT filing date (whichever is later). For general overpayment relief, the deadline is 4 years from the effective date of the transaction.
How do I claim back the 5% SDLT surcharge?▾
You can claim online by amending your SDLT return through HMRC, or by writing to HMRC Birmingham Stamp Office. You will need your SDLT unique transaction reference number (UTRN), proof of the sale of your previous property, and confirmation of completion dates.
What counts as an uninhabitable property for SDLT?▾
A property is considered uninhabitable if it lacks essential facilities such as a working kitchen, bathroom, or heating, or has severe structural problems. Merely being in poor condition or needing redecoration is not enough. HMRC applies a strict test and you may need a surveyor report.
What was Multiple Dwellings Relief?▾
Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) allowed buyers purchasing two or more dwellings in a single transaction to pay SDLT based on the average price per dwelling. This could significantly reduce the tax bill. MDR was abolished for transactions completing on or after 1 June 2024.
How long does an SDLT refund take?▾
HMRC typically processes SDLT refund claims within 15 working days for straightforward cases. More complex claims (e.g., uninhabitable property, mixed-use) may take 3-6 months if HMRC opens an enquiry. You can check progress by contacting HMRC Stamp Taxes helpline.
Do I need a solicitor to claim an SDLT refund?▾
For straightforward surcharge refunds, you can often claim yourself through HMRC online services. For more complex claims such as uninhabitable property or mixed-use reclassification, professional advice from a tax adviser or specialist solicitor is strongly recommended.
What is mixed-use SDLT and how does it save money?▾
Mixed-use SDLT applies when a property includes both residential and non-residential elements. The rates are significantly lower: 0% up to £150,000, 2% up to £250,000, and 5% above that. Crucially, the additional dwelling surcharge does not apply to mixed-use transactions.
Can I claim SDLT back if I separate from my partner?▾
If you and your partner separate and one of you buys a new property while still jointly owning the former home, the 5% surcharge may apply. However, if the previous property is sold within 3 years, you can claim a refund. Court orders transferring property between separating couples are generally exempt from SDLT.
Is there interest on SDLT refunds?▾
HMRC pays repayment interest on SDLT refunds from the date of the original overpayment to the date of the refund. The rate is set by HMRC and is typically quite low (currently 0.5% above the Bank of England base rate), but it does accumulate on delayed refunds.

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