Reasons for overpayment
Below are some common reasons for overpayment of stamp duty.
Have you purchased a property with defects?
Did the property suffer from any of the following:
- An incomplete or non-functioning kitchen or bathroom.
- Structural issues such as subsidence, broken or rotten timbers.
- Lack of electricity and gas connections.
- Significant damp.
- Functioning heating system.
- Asbestos.
- Defective waste removal.
- Any other health and safety issues.
If so, you could be due a refund!
Have you purchased a second home with the intention of selling your old home?
If you bought a second home, you likely paid an additional surcharge. To qualify for a refund, you must have sold your previous home within three years of purchasing the new one.
Situations like these are common:
- You bought a second home before selling your old one to avoid losing a buyer or missing out on a new property.
- Going through a divorce? You may have purchased a new home before finalizing the sale of your previous one.
- You bought a holiday or rental property but later decided to make it your primary residence.
If any of these apply to you, you could be eligible for a refund!
Were you a first-time buyer?
You may be exempt from Stamp Duty if the property was your first home, even if you currently own or have owned commercial property. To qualify, the value of your home must be under £500,000.
If this applies to you, you could be eligible for a refund.
Have you purchased multiple properties?
- Have you purchased two or more properties in the same transaction?
If so, you could be due a refund!
Have you purchased a property with a self-contained annex on the land?
- The annex must be self-sufficient from the main property.
- If attached to the main property, the annex must have a lockable door separating the properties.
Have you purchased a mixed-use property?
Does the property have a residential and commercial element to it?
- Flat with a shop beneath.
- Surrounding land have working farm or business?
If so, you could be due a refund!
General incorrect calculations
- Often conveyancers will use the HMRC calculator however, this calculator does not cover all types of relief and has been known to be incorrect at times.
If you think you may have been over charged, get in touch!
Have you bought a property that included chattels in the purchase price?
- Free standing furniture.
- Kitchen white goods (not integrated).
- Paintings etc.
- Anything that can be removed from the property relatively easily.
If so, you may be due a refund!
Are you a non-UK resident that has purchased a UK based property?
If, so, you will have paid an increased surcharge.
- Have you been UK based for 183 days in the 12 months before and 12 months after the purchase?
If so, you may be due a refund!
