🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Property Taxes and Buying Costs in United Kingdom

Budget 5–15% on top of the price for a resale apartment. On a 60 m² apartment in London (about €672,000) that is roughly €33,600–€100,800.

Costs when you buy

Stamp Duty Land Tax (England & NI)
0% to £125,000, 2% to £250,000, 5% to £925,000, 10% to £1.5m, 12% above (bands since 1 April 2025)
First-time buyers pay 0% to £300,000 and 5% to £500,000 (no relief above £500,000). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) have different rates.
Higher rates for additional dwellings
+5 percentage points on every band if you own another home anywhere
Non-resident surcharge
+2 percentage points for non-UK residents
Solicitor (conveyancing) and searches
approx. £1,500–3,000 plus VAT
VAT on new builds
Zero-rated; SDLT applies as normal

Costs while you own

Council tax
Annual, by valuation band and local council
Second-home premium
English councils may charge up to 100% extra from April 2025; Welsh councils up to 300%

Tax on rental income

Non-resident landlords pay UK income tax at 20/40/45% on net rental profits (property income rates rise to 22/42/47% from April 2027), via the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What taxes do you pay when buying property in United Kingdom?↓
Stamp Duty Land Tax (England & NI): 0% to £125,000, 2% to £250,000, 5% to £925,000, 10% to £1.5m, 12% above (bands since 1 April 2025). Higher rates for additional dwellings: +5 percentage points on every band if you own another home anywhere. Non-resident surcharge: +2 percentage points for non-UK residents. Solicitor (conveyancing) and searches: approx. £1,500–3,000 plus VAT. VAT on new builds: Zero-rated; SDLT applies as normal.
What are total closing costs in United Kingdom?↓
Typically 5–15% of the purchase price for a resale apartment.
How is rental income taxed in United Kingdom for non-residents?↓
Non-resident landlords pay UK income tax at 20/40/45% on net rental profits (property income rates rise to 22/42/47% from April 2027), via the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.
Buying property in United Kingdom: step-by-step guide →
Property prices in United Kingdom →Apartments for sale in United Kingdom →Rental yield calculator →

Last reviewed 2026-10. General information, not tax or legal advice: rates change and often depend on region and buyer status, so confirm with a local notary, lawyer or tax adviser. Sources: GOV.UK: Change to tax rates for property, savings and dividend income, GOV.UK: SDLT residential property rates.