by Sam Akbay
What Changed?
At Sam Akbay Property Agency, we always aim to keep our clients up to date with key changes that impact the property market. On 1st April 2025, several important updates came into effect across the UK that may influence your buying decisions or financial planning—especially if you’re a first-time buyer or moving home.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) – What’s New?
The most notable changes this April are to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Here’s a breakdown:
First-Time Buyers
The zero-tax threshold has decreased from £425,000 to £300,000.
This means you now start paying SDLT if your purchase price is above £300,000.
If you’re buying a property worth more than £500,000, standard SDLT rates apply, and first-time buyer relief is no longer available.
What this means for you: Buying a home in areas like Chelsea, Fulham, or other prime London locations may now cost more in tax if you’re stepping onto the ladder for the first time.
Home Movers
The basic zero-rate threshold has reverted from £250,000 to £125,000.
You now pay:
2% on the portion between £125,001 and £250,000
5% on the portion between £250,001 and £925,000
What this means for you: For most home buyers in London, this means higher SDLT bills compared to the temporary relief we’ve seen over the past two years.
Why Have These Changes Been Introduced?
These changes mark the end of temporary SDLT relief measures introduced to stimulate the housing market post-pandemic. The government’s aim now is to balance revenue generation with affordability and support schemes for lower-income households.
Other Housing Support Updates
While Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates remain the same for 2025–2026, eligibility for Housing Benefit is being tightened—especially for those also receiving Universal Credit.
A new £742 million Household Support Fund has been launched to help vulnerable households with essential living costs, including housing.
How Sam Akbay Can Help
Understanding your SDLT liability and planning your property purchase accordingly is now more important than ever. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading to your next home, our experienced team can walk you through every step of the process—helping you make smart decisions in a shifting market.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation.
Based in Chelsea, we specialise in property across London and work with a wide network of buyers and investors from the UK and abroad.
