web analytics

Getting Right SDLT Advice London

Getting Right SDLT Advice in London

Why SDLT Is So Important for London Property

London property values are often higher than in the rest of the UK. That means SDLT can have a major impact on:

  • The true cost of your purchase, as SDLT liability is directly affected by the purchase price and value of the property
  • The viability of an investment
  • Your cash flow and borrowing
  • The long-term returns from your portfolio

SDLT rates in England are determined by the purchase price and value of the property, and these rates can differ from those in Scotland or Wales.

Because SDLT is calculated using detailed rules that vary depending on the type of buyer, the type of property and its intended use, relying solely on online calculators or generic advice can be risky.

    Book a Consultation

    service-new-img_2

    Who Can Benefit from SDLT Advice in London?

    Our SDLT specialists support a wide range of clients, including:

    • Landlords and property investors buying additional residential properties
    • Buyers of HMOs, mixed-use buildings and blocks of flats
    • Individuals and families purchasing a main home in London
    • Clients using limited companies or SPVs to hold property
    • Partnerships and joint ventures acquiring or restructuring assets
    • Landowners and developers involved in new-builds, conversions or lease extensions
    • Businesses and business owners purchasing or restructuring property
    • Non-UK residents acquiring property in London
    • First time buyers seeking to understand reliefs and eligibility
    • Buyers of non-residential or commercial property such as offices, warehouses, or retail units

    If your transaction is anything other than completely straightforward, it is worth getting tailored SDLT advice before you exchange contracts.

    Contact Us
    service-new-img_5

    What an SDLT Specialist in London Can Do for You

    1. Clarify Your SDLT Position

    We review your proposed property transaction and explain:

    • How SDLT applies in your specific situation
    • Which rules are relevant (for example, additional property rules or company purchases)
    • Whether your purchase is treated as residential, non-residential or mixed-use
    • How to ensure the correct SDLT liability is calculated and who is liable for the tax

    You receive clear, practical guidance in plain English so you can make informed decisions. The SDLT specialist clarifies how different types of purchasers, and their ownership or interest in property, affect SDLT liability.

    2. Identify Reliefs and Savings

    SDLT legislation contains a number of reliefs and exemptions, but they must be claimed correctly and supported by the facts. We assess whether you may benefit from:

    • Reliefs for multiple dwellings, blocks or units bought together, including scenarios involving second homes, additional dwellings, or where higher rates of SDLT may apply
    • First time buyer relief for eligible purchasers, and guidance on how to claim this and other reliefs, especially in relation to your main residence, previous main residence, or new main residence
    • Potential mixed-use treatment where there is both residential and commercial use
    • Linked transactions across a portfolio or group of purchases
    • Opportunities to review past transactions where SDLT may have been overpaid, including the ability to claim back additional SDLT paid on a second home or additional dwellings if you have sold or are selling your previous main residence within the required timeframe

    Our role is to ensure you pay the right amount of tax – not more, not less, and to help you maximise all available reliefs and savings.

    3. Reduce Risk of HMRC Enquiries

    SDLT is a focus area for HMRC, and inaccurate claims or aggressive schemes can quickly attract attention. Working with specialist SDLT advisers in London means:

    • Your position is based on current legislation and HMRC guidance
    • You have written advice and calculations to support your SDLT return, ensuring the correct amount of SDLT is calculated and paid to HMRC
    • You are better protected if HMRC raise questions in the future, with professional advisers available for representing you in any SDLT case or dispute
    • You avoid untested or high-risk “tax saving schemes” that can backfire

    We aim for robust, defensible positions that stand up to scrutiny, with professional advisers supporting clients through every stage of the SDLT process.

    4. Integrate SDLT with Your Wider Tax Planning

    SDLT doesn’t sit in isolation. For landlords and investors, it needs to work alongside:

    • Income tax or corporation tax on rental profits
    • Capital gains tax when properties are sold
    • In some cases, inheritance tax and succession planning
    • Other taxes that may apply to property ownership and transactions

    We work with your accountant, solicitor and mortgage adviser to ensure all relevant taxes, other taxes, and aspects of taxation are considered in the planning process. Our specialists are experienced in advising clients on integrating SDLT with their overall tax strategy, and can assist you in achieving tax efficiency and compliance across all areas of property investment.

    Contact Us
    service-new-img

    When Should You Get SDLT Advice?

    Ideally, SDLT is considered before you exchange contracts, so that there is time to adjust the structure or documentation if needed. It is important to consider the relevant date of property transactions or disposals, as this can impact eligibility for SDLT reliefs and exemptions. You should consider seeking specialist advice if:

    • You are buying an additional residential property in London
    • You are purchasing multiple units, an HMO or a block of flats
    • The property has both residential and commercial elements
    • You are transferring property into a company or partnership
    • You are gifting or transferring property between family members
    • You suspect SDLT was overpaid on an earlier purchase

    When seeking advice, make sure to consider all aspects of SDLT, including tax estimation, transaction structuring, and legal procedures. You may also need to fill in the correct forms and provide all necessary information to ensure accurate advice and compliance.

    The earlier we are involved, the more options you usually have.

    Contact Us
    service-new-img_2

    Why Choose a London Based SDLT Adviser?

    Choosing an SDLT specialist who works day-to-day with London transactions brings key advantages:

    • Familiarity with local property types such as maisonettes, houses, mixed-use buildings and flats above shops
    • Practical experience of London landlords’ portfolios, refinancing and restructuring
    • Understanding of typical contract structures, lease terms and development projects in the capital
    • The ability to provide swift, focused advice that fits the pace of the London market
    • Expertise in advising on purchases in England and Northern Ireland, where SDLT rules differ from those in Scotland and Wales, ensuring compliance with the specific requirements for these regions

    You get advice that reflects how property deals are actually done in London, including the purchase of a house as a common property type, not just how the legislation reads on paper.

    Our SDLT Advice Service in London

    Our SDLT service can include:

    • Initial consultations to assess SDLT implications for your purchase
    • Detailed written advice and calculations tailored to your circumstances
    • Liaison with your solicitor and lender to align legal and tax documents
    • Assistance with completing or reviewing your SDLT return
    • Post-completion reviews and amendments where appropriate
    • Support with HMRC enquiries, letters or requests for information

    Our expert advice helps you save money and maximize the value of your property investments by ensuring you pay the correct amount of SDLT and take advantage of all available reliefs.

    Whether you are acquiring a single flat or restructuring a large portfolio, we provide the level of support you need.

    Contact Us

    Speak to an SDLT Expert in London

    If you are buying or restructuring property in London, SDLT should never be an afterthought. The right advice at the right time can protect your cash flow, reduce risk and support the long-term success of your property strategy.

    Contact us today to discuss your transaction with an SDLT specialist in London and find out how we can help.

    Trust our SDLT Experts for precise tax calculations and smooth property transactions

    Contact Us

    why you should consult our SDLT experts?

    1
    SDLT rules are complex
    SDLT rules are complex and constantly changing specialist advice protects you from costly errors.
    2
    Dedicated SDLT adviser
    A dedicated SDLT adviser helps reduce risk, avoid negligence claims and stay fully compliant.
    services-img-2
    3
    Specialist Expertise
    Specialist expertise ensures your clients never overpay or underpay Stamp Duty Land Tax.
    4
    Complex transactions
    Gain peace of mind with a personalised plan for your home, assets and legacy.
    5
    Make confident decisions

    Working with an SDLT specialist strengthens your legal service, enhances client confidence and safeguards your reputation.

    FAQ

    Do I need SDLT advice if I’m only buying one property in London?

    Yes, even a single purchase can involve SDLT complexities, especially in London where properties often have unusual layouts, mixed-use elements, lease arrangements or additional land. SDLT rules apply differently depending on the nature of the transaction, who is buying, and how the property will be used. Professional advice ensures the SDLT is calculated correctly and that you do not miss any reliefs.

    Absolutely. SDLT specialists can review your historic purchase documents and identify whether the correct rules and classifications were applied. If there is an overpayment, they can help you prepare a claim, amend your return where necessary, and provide supporting reasoning compliant with HMRC requirements.

    London based advisers deal daily with the type of properties and transactions common in the capital  such as HMOs, maisonettes, conversions, mixed-use buildings and blocks of flats. Their knowledge of local property structures, common contract terms and typical issues means they can identify SDLT implications more accurately and quickly than generalist advisers.

    The ideal time is before exchanging contracts. Early advice allows you to understand the SDLT implications, assess your total acquisition cost and adjust the structure of the deal if needed. However, SDLT experts can also help after completion, especially if the SDLT return needs reviewing, amending or defending in response to an HMRC enquiry.