The latest SDLT rates can be found at the following link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sdlt/rates-thresholds.htm
There is also a useful Calculator which will work out the SDLT payable for a transaction and this can be found at the following link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/so/new-sdlt-calculators.htm
New leases
Where the transaction concerns buying a new lease with a substantial rent there may be addition SDLT charges to the shown above based on rent.
leases of less than 21 years
In is important to note that the temporary threshold (£175,000) for property transactions is not applicable where (a) the assignment of existing lease which has less than 21 years to run and (b) the grant of a lease is for a term that is less than 21 years. Genereally, the thresholds of £125,000 however, where the property is situated in a disadvantaged area the threshold is £150,000.
Purchases in a “disadvantaged area”
Where a property is situated in what the government would define as “disadvantaged” there is since 3 September 2008 this scheme will be running up untill 31 December 2009 and applies to residential purchases.
Rent, SDLT for new leases
It should be noted that when a new lease is granted and that lease has a “substantial annual rent”, SDLT is payable in the lease premium itslef and the “net present value” of the rent payable – these two figures are determined separatly and then added to give the total amount payable this rule is axiomatic.
