Can I Get a Refund on Stamp Duty?

Many property buyers in the UK unknowingly overpay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). If you’ve purchased a home and suspect you may have paid too much, you might be eligible for a Stamp Duty refund - but only under certain circumstances.

Who Can Claim a Stamp Duty Refund?

You may qualify for a refund if:

You Paid the 3% Higher Rate on a Second Home

You bought a new property before selling your previous main residence.
You paid the 3% surcharge for additional properties.
You sold your previous home within 36 months of purchasing the new one.

Example: You bought a new house in March 2023 and still owned your old one. You sell the old home in May 2024. You can claim a refund of the 3% surcharge as long as you apply before May 2025.

You Bought Multiple Dwellings (MDR Relief)

You bought a house with a granny annexe or multiple self-contained units.
You may qualify for Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR), which can significantly reduce your SDLT bill.

Example: Buying a property with two self-contained flats could make you eligible for MDR - even if HMRC didn't apply it originally.

You Bought a Mixed-Use Property

Your property includes both residential and commercial elements (e.g. a flat above a shop, or farmland with a cottage).
Mixed-use properties are not charged residential SDLT rates, which means no 3% surcharge and a lower overall rate.

Who Cannot Claim a Refund?

You won’t be eligible if:

You moved into a new home but didn’t sell your previous one within the 3-year window.
You purchased an investment or buy-to-let property that wasn’t your main residence.
Your SDLT was calculated correctly with no relief or exemption missed.
You’re trying to claim a refund on fixtures and fittings - this is often challenged by HMRC.

Stamp Duty Refund Time Limits

Claim Deadline

You must claim your refund within 12 months of the later of:

The sale of your previous main residence, or
The filing date of your original SDLT return.

Miss the deadline, and HMRC may reject your claim - even if you were eligible.

How to Claim a Stamp Duty Refund with SCA Tax

Making a claim for a Stamp Duty refund might seem simple, but it often involves complex rules, narrow eligibility criteria, and strict documentation requirements. That’s where SCA Tax comes in.

We handle the entire process from start to finish, including:

1. Comprehensive Eligibility Review

We analyse your property purchase and legal documents to identify any missed reliefs or miscalculations - from Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) to incorrect surcharge charges.
We’ll also confirm whether your property qualifies for mixed-use rates or any specialist exemptions.

2. Accurate Claim Preparation

We gather and prepare all supporting documents needed to back your claim - including SDLT returns, title deeds, completion statements, and sale contracts if applicable.
Our team ensures your application is submitted precisely to HMRC’s standards, reducing the risk of rejection or delays.

3. Direct Submission to HMRC

We submit your claim on your behalf, tracking progress and following up with HMRC where necessary.
If HMRC requests clarification, we handle all correspondence and provide the necessary evidence to support your position.

4. Compliance-First Approach

We only submit claims that are fully compliant with current HMRC guidance and we protect our clients from future clawbacks or penalties.

5. Maximum Refund, Minimum Hassle

We explore every valid opportunity to reduce your SDLT bill - not just the common ones.
Our clients often recover thousands of pounds they didn’t realise they were entitled to.