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The Daily Insight

How do I avoid stamp duty on a second property?

Author

John Thompson

Published Mar 02, 2026

But, there are a few ways you can avoid it: Gift a deposit – if you aren’t going to be a joint owner then the stamp duty for second homes won’t apply. Act as a guarantor – Guarantors aren’t classed as owning the property. So, you will avoid the additional rate.

What is the stamp duty on a second property?

If you’re buying a second home you will pay 3% on the first £250,000 of the purchase price, then 8% from £250,001 to £925,000. The usual rates of 13% and 15% apply for the last two bands. The stamp duty holiday has already ended in Scotland and Wales. Read more about stamp duty holidays across the United Kingdom below.

Can I claim back stamp duty on a second home?

You can only reclaim Stamp Duty if you’re eligible for a refund. You may be able to claim a Stamp Duty refund if you purchased a new main residence without selling your previous residence, but then sold that previous residence within 3 years. Find out more in our guide: Stamp Duty on Second Homes.

Does stamp duty freeze apply to second homes?

The good news is that yes, the stamp duty holiday does apply to second homes. And by including second homes, it has done just that. Until 31 March 2021, if you are buying a second property or a property on a buy-to-let basis, you will benefit from the raised tax threshold.

Is it cheaper to buy land or build a house?

Most lenders will finance a construction project for a year, and then when the house is complete, they require you to refinance into a permanent loan for the property. Since you already own the land, your costs to build a house could be significantly lower. Your next decision depends on your budget and your vision for your home.

Which is the first step after buying land?

Your first step (after buying land!) should be to determine whether you can build on that land at all and, if so, if there are any restrictions due to the topography of the site and zoning restrictions. An experienced local builder can help you navigate those issues.

How to determine if land is buildable prior to purchasing?

Through a title search, you’ll be able to determine: It’s important to note that a title search will not tell you about the zoning of the property or other intricacies that may hinder your building plans. But it is a good way to ensure that easements will not hinder or harm your chances of building.

Can you build a house on inherited land?

Even if you don’t want to live off-grid and your goal is to build a house on a plot of land you’ve inherited, you probably wondered: “ how much to build a house on my land?” It depends on what part of the country your land is in and the condition of the property.