The past, present, and future of stamp duty in England

Search Properties

Free Valuation

Take advantage of a free no obligation valuation.

Register With Us

Want to keep up to date with properties you might be interested in? Register with us to receive regular property updates

Mortgages

We have a dedicated financial team in to assist with any mortgage advice you may need! Click here for more details.

Find Out More

Stamp Duty: Then, Now and What Might Come Next

Stamp Duty has been part of property buying in Britain for centuries. It’s changed many times and could be about to change again. Here’s a quick look at how it started, where we are now and what might happen next.

A Bit of History

Stamp Duty first appeared in 1694, introduced by William and Mary to raise money for war. Back then, every legal document had to be stamped to show the tax had been paid (hence the name). Over time, it expanded to cover land and property sales. In 2003, it became Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), a modern version focused on property transactions. Since then, rates and rules have changed often, especially to help first time buyers or boost the market during slower periods.

How It Works Today

When you buy a home in England or Northern Ireland, you usually pay SDLT on the portion of the price above £125,000.

Current rates for your main home:

Property Price SDLT Rate

Up to £125,000 0%

£125,001–£250,000 2%

£250,001–£925,000 5%

£925,001–£1.5m 10%

Over £1.5m 12%

A few key points: If you are buying an additional property (like a second home or buy-to-let), you will usually pay 5% more on top of those rates. First time buyers can still get relief on some purchases up to £500,000. The temporary cuts to SDLT thresholds ended in March 2025, so most buyers now pay the standard rates again.

If you are unsure what this means for your move, Richard Kendall can help you work out the figures before you start house hunting.

What Could Change Next

There has been talk that the Autumn Budget 2025 might bring a big shake up to how property is taxed. What’s being discussed: Replacing Stamp Duty with an annual property tax on homes worth over £500,000. The idea is that, instead of paying a large one off tax when you buy, you would pay a smaller amount each year. This could make moving home simpler, but might increase ongoing costs for some homeowners, especially in higher value areas. It’s only speculation for now, but it’s causing plenty of discussion in the market.

What It Means for You

If you are thinking about moving, it’s worth keeping an eye on the Autumn Budget announcements. Budgeting for Stamp Duty at the current rates is still the safe approach. If major changes are introduced, you will want clear, up-to-date advice before making decisions.

Want to understand how stamp duty will affect your next home purchase?

Latest Properties

The Orchard, Ossett

£179,950

2 1 1

A THREE BEDROOM mid terrace home in pleasant cul de sac location close to Ossett town centre. VIRTUAL TOUR AVAILABLE. EPC rating D68.

The Orchard, Ossett

£225,000

3 1 1

RECENTLY RENOVATED to an EXCELLENT standard is this THREE bedroom semi detached property with an OPEN PLAN kitchen diner, OFF ROAD PARKING and being in close proximity to Ossett town centre. EPC rating D59.

2 bed property in Blacker Lane, Wakefield

Blacker Lane, Netherton, Wakefield

£250,000

2 1 1

*NO ONWARD CHAIN* A well presented two bedroom semi detached bungalow with driveway and garage. VIRTUAL TOUR AVAILABLE. EPC rating D68.

Healey Crescent, Ossett

£280,000

4 2 1

A WELL PRESENTED four bedroom semi detached home with driveway, garage and two bathrooms in Ossett. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. EPC rating D59.

I have recently purchased a property through Richard Kendall Estate Agent. The service was excellent from Emily Dunbar. She chased solicitors for me and constantly kept me updated with the progress. Emily is a credit to Richard Kendall's. Thanks Emily for everything. Adele 10/12/2025

Donna and Joanne were superb at helping and supporting me through quite a difficult sale. Communication and follow up was excellent and everything was dealt with in a friendly and professional manner I would certainly recommend Richard Kendall to all my friends and family. Jill 10/12/2025

We have used Richard Kendall for many years so when deciding to sell our loved property due to heath issues this was the company we straight away contacted initially David at the Wakefield Office and then we were luckily put with senior consultant Karen Marijewko. Karen was so thoughtful and kind she knew about our health problems and went out of her way to guide us through the process of selling and buying .She is a senior property consultant and really deserves that title . If we ever have to move again I would definitely ask for Karen and would advise family and friends to do the same. Judith 10/12/2025

I had a great experience with Elizabeth Cooke from Richard Kendall for the sale of my property. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and was always proactive in chasing things up and staying in regular contact. Her communication was clear, consistent, and always reassuring, which made everything feel easier and less stressful. Liz’s professionalism, friendliness, and dedication was outstanding. I’m so grateful for all her hard work in getting my property sold. Would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a friendly, professional, reliable and supportive estate agent Liz 10/12/2025

Really pleased with all the staff, especially Leah, they kept me up to date throughout the whole process of buying our house, it was easy to get hold of them and on the rare occasion I couldn’t they responded back very quickly cracking estate agents. Graham 10/12/2025

We recently sold a relative's home through Richard Kendall and the service was excellent. The team and in particular our main contact Mandy at the Ossett office kept us informed and updated throughout, explaining where we were at every stage of the process. A professional yet personal service and we would recommend Richard Kendall to anyone thinking of buying or selling a home. Nigel 10/12/2025

Would highly recommend Richard Kendall, this was the second time I’ve used them for selling a house. Amber in the Pontefract office dealt with my sale and she was really helpful, friendly, professional and kept me up-to-date with everything going on with the sale and the wider chain. Thank you! Chris 10/12/2025

Amazing service from Catherine and Shireen at the Wakefield City Branch. They have made the process of moving house so smooth and always kept us up to date with any progress. Can't recommend them enough! Gemma 10/12/2025

We were selling my mum and dad’s house and was an emotional time for me and my sister. Sarah at the Normanton branch dealt with the sale from start to finish. I cannot recommend Sarah enough and she is a credit to Richard Kendall. She kept us informed all the way through and answered any questions we had. She was professional and friendly and made what was a sad time selling the family home easier. The sale was quick and seamless due to Sarah. Thank you Richard Kendall’s, I would recommend them to anyone selling their property Claire 10/12/2025

Get Social

Facebook

Check out our Facebook page to be the first to hear about property news and our latest properties

Tik Tok

Instagram

YouTube

View our latest property tours and videos

Get in Touch

If you are looking to buy, sell or let a property in Wakefield and surrounding areas or would like a FREE property valuation, contact us via the details below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Contact your nearest branch