What is Stamp Duty Land Tax?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is paid by the buyer when a chargeable interest in land or property is acquired in England or Northern Ireland. It is a self assessed tax, which means the buyer, usually through their solicitor or conveyancer, must calculate the correct amount, file the SDLT return and pay HMRC within 14 days of the effective date.
Because SDLT is self assessed, the responsibility for getting it right falls on the buyer and their advisers. Errors lead to penalties, interest charges and HMRC enquiries that can run for months.
Why SDLT Advice for Conveyancers Matters More Than Ever
A few years ago, the SDLT return was almost a mechanical final step in a property transaction. That has changed. Recent reforms, evolving HMRC guidance and the expected May 2026 changes (which may treat the preparation and submission of SDLT returns as regulated tax advice) mean that conveyancers and law firms now need stronger technical support than before.
The pressure points we see most often:
- Higher rates and the 3% surcharge on additional dwellings
- The 2% non UK resident surcharge
- Mixed use versus residential classification disputes
- Multiple Dwellings Relief eligibility and post claim HMRC challenges
- Linked transactions and connected party rules
- Annexes, granny flats and subsidiary dwelling arguments
- Property purchases through companies, partnerships and trusts
- First time buyer relief edge cases
Getting these wrong puts the firm at risk. Getting them right protects the client and the file.
How Our SDLT Advisory Service Works
We have built our process around how legal practices actually work.
Step 1: Free Initial Call
Tell us about the transaction. We will tell you within minutes whether SDLT is straightforward or whether closer review is needed.
Step 2: Document Review
Send us the contract, plans and any relevant background. We review the SDLT position against current legislation and the latest HMRC guidance.
Step 3: Written SDLT Opinion
You receive a clear written advice note covering the correct rate, applicable reliefs, surcharges and any HMRC risk areas. The wording is appropriate for the client and the file.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
We stay available through the rest of the transaction and afterwards, including if HMRC opens an enquiry post completion.
SDLT Areas We Cover for Legal Professionals
Our SDLT advice for legal professionals covers the full range of property transactions handled by UK law firms.
| Transaction Type |
What We Help With |
| Residential purchases |
Standard rates, first time buyer relief, replacement of main residence |
| Buy to let and second homes |
3% surcharge, refund claims, timing rules |
| Non UK resident buyers |
2% surcharge, residency tests, refund opportunities |
| Mixed use property |
Residential versus non residential classification, defending the claim |
| Multiple dwellings |
MDR eligibility (where still applicable), subsidiary dwelling tests |
| Commercial property |
Non residential rates, lease premiums, net present value calculations |
| Corporate purchases |
15% flat rate, ATED interaction, available business reliefs |
| Linked transactions |
Aggregation rules, partnership transfers, family arrangements |
| HMRC enquiries |
Compliance check responses, defending reliefs, tribunal appeals |
Built for Law Firms, Not Guesswork
We work exclusively with solicitors, conveyancers, law firms and other legal professionals. That focus shapes how our advice is delivered:
- File ready written opinions with clear reasoning
- Defensible reliefs backed by legislation and case law
- Plain English client letters when you need them
- Conflict free, because we do not act for property clients directly
- A regulated approach aligned with how legal practices manage risk
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you turn around an SDLT opinion?
Most straightforward queries are answered the same day. Detailed written opinions for complex transactions are typically delivered within 2 to 3 working days. Urgent completions can be prioritised.
Do you charge per transaction or by retainer?
Both options are available. Many firms prefer a fixed fee per matter. Busier practices use a monthly retainer. We will suggest what fits your volume.
Can you handle the full SDLT return submission?
Yes. We can review your draft return, prepare the return for you to file, or file it directly where appropriate.
What if HMRC opens an enquiry after completion?
We support clients and their solicitors through the full enquiry, including correspondence, evidence gathering and (where needed) appeals to the First tier Tribunal.
Do you cover Land Transaction Tax (Wales) or LBTT (Scotland)?
Our primary focus is SDLT in England and Northern Ireland. We can refer or co advise on LTT and LBTT matters where required.
Is your SDLT advice suitable to place on the client file?
Yes. Every written opinion is structured so it can be included on the professional file, with clear reasoning, statutory references and risk flags.
We provide Stamp Duty Land Tax advice exclusively to solicitors, lawyers, conveyancers, law firms and other legal professionals throughout the United Kingdom.
