Who We Help

Our SDLT specialists in London advise a broad range of clients, including:

• Homebuyers and movers – ensuring you qualify for available reliefs and avoid higher rates where possible
• First time buyers – assessing eligibility for first time buyer relief and maximising savings on your first property purchase
• Buyers of second homes and additional properties – advising on the higher SDLT rates and 3% surcharge that apply to second homes, holiday homes, and additional properties
• Non-UK resident buyers – advising on the additional 2% non-resident surcharge, higher SDLT rates, and double-tax implications for non-UK resident buyers
• Buy-to-let landlords and investors – navigating the 3% surcharge and investment-structure planning
• Developers and property businesses – structuring acquisitions and disposals efficiently, with tailored SDLT advice for business property transactions
• Professional advisers – supporting solicitors, accountants and financial planners on complex transactions
• Corporate buyers and groups – managing SDLT exposure on reorganisations, share transfers and group relief

Even straightforward London transactions can conceal SDLT complications, so early professional input is key.

Our London SDLT Services

1. Pre-Transaction SDLT Planning

• Review of contracts, heads of terms and draft documents
• Reviewing the transaction concerned to determine the correct SDLT treatment
• Identifying whether residential, non-residential or mixed-use rates apply
• Advising clients on acquiring property and associated SDLT planning
• Structuring purchases to minimise SDLT legitimately
• Advising on restructuring transactions, such as group reorganisations or property transfers, to ensure SDLT compliance
• Guidance on lease premiums, extensions and variations

2. SDLT Reliefs and Exemptions

• Group and reconstruction relief for companies (reliefs must be claimed and eligibility reviewed)
• Charities and social housing exemptions (these exemptions need to be claimed to apply)
• Reliefs for property affected by condition or habitability (claim reliefs where applicable)
• First time buyer relief (ensure this relief is claimed if eligible)
• Review eligibility for additional SDLT charges and possible exemptions (such as higher rates for additional properties and available reliefs)

3. SDLT Return and Calculation Reviews

• Independent verification of SDLT returns prepared by conveyancers
• Checking calculations for joint purchases, annexes or shared ownership
• Identifying overpayments and missed reliefs
• Ensuring compliance with SDLT regulations during calculation reviews
• Taking into account all relevant factors, such as linked transactions and ownership interests
• Reviewing previous SDLT case outcomes to inform current calculations

4. SDLT Refunds and HMRC Enquiries

• Review of potential refund eligibility within HMRC time limits, taking into account your individual circumstances to determine if you qualify for a refund
• Assessing the importance of the date of sale or transaction, as the timing can affect your eligibility for a refund or relief
• Advising on refunds available when a previous property is sold within the required timeframe, which may impact additional SDLT surcharges or relief eligibility
• Preparing and submitting reclaim applications
• Responding to HMRC enquiry letters and defending your position
• Representation before the First-tier Tax Tribunal if required

Our written advice clearly explains your position and our recommendations, without jargon.

Why Choose Our SDLT Advisers in London

In-Depth Expertise

We specialise exclusively in SDLT and related UK property taxes not general conveyancing.
Our team stays ahead of every change in HMRC guidance and tax case law, ensuring you always receive the most accurate and practical advice.

Independent & Trusted

We are not a “refund claims” company. All advice is fully independent, evidence-based, and compliant with HMRC rules. You’ll receive honest opinions and transparent risk assessments.

Fast, Fixed-Fee Service

We offer fixed fees for most SDLT reviews and can provide rapid turnaround often within one working day for initial assessments.

Support for London Professionals

We partner with many London law firms, accountants and estate agents to provide expert SDLT input for complex client transactions.

Common SDLT Issues in London

London property transactions frequently involve:

• Higher rates on additional dwellings
• Mixed-use or commercial/residential boundary questions
• Main residence replacement refunds
• Non-resident surcharges for overseas buyers
• Transfers between spouses, partners or companies
• SDLT implications of incorporation or restructuring
• SDLT implications of property transfer scenarios, including gifts, exchanges, or inter-spouse transfers
• Impact of selling a previous main residence and purchasing a new main residence on SDLT surcharges, including eligibility for refunds or exemptions
• Determining whether a property qualifies as a primary residence for tax purposes, which can affect SDLT rates and reliefs
• How an individual’s interest in other properties, such as part-ownership or market value, can affect SDLT liability
• HMRC enquiries following refund claims or reassessments

If you’ve received an SDLT enquiry letter or a marketing approach promising large refunds, contact our trusted specialists first for an impartial review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need SDLT advice in London?

If your purchase involves more than one property, an annex, corporate ownership or mixed-use elements, expert SDLT advice can prevent costly errors. Property taxation is complex, and your SDLT liability can vary significantly depending on the transaction details and ownership structure.

Can I claim back SDLT I overpaid?

Possibly — many buyers overpay due to incorrect classification. If your SDLT liability was incorrectly calculated, a professional review can confirm whether a legitimate refund claim exists within HMRC’s deadlines.

Does SDLT apply in Scotland or Wales?

No. Those nations have their own taxes (LBTT and LTT). SDLT applies only in England and Northern Ireland, including London.

How quickly can you review my case?

We aim to review straightforward cases within 24 hours and provide a written summary of findings and next steps.

Request SDLT Advice in London

If you’re buying, selling or restructuring property in London, accurate SDLT advice can save you time, stress and money. Our London-based experts provide fast, reliable guidance for individuals, investors and businesses.

Contact us today to arrange a confidential SDLT consultation and ensure you’re paying the correct amount of tax.