Replacement of Stamp Duty Land Tax in Scotland
The housing market in Scotland saw an upturn after the referendum vote in September 2014.
Although the market remains buoyant, it remains to be seen if the introduction of the new Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) which replaces the current Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in Scotland will have any material effect.
It is thought likely that it will have more of an impact on the sale of the more expensive properties.
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
The switchover from SDLT to LBTT takes place on 1 April 2015.
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax for Residential Transactions
| Purchase Price | Proposed Rates |
| Up to £145,000 | Zero |
| £145,001 to £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 to £325,000 | 5% |
| £325,001 to £750,000 | 10% |
| Over £750,001 | 12% |
A key change is that the new Tax is charged at a progressive rate, therefore if you were to purchase a property at £400,000, LBTT would be calculated as follows:
“On the first £145,000 – £0
2% between £145,001 to £250,000 – £2,100
5% between £250,001 to £325,000 – £3,750
10% between £325,001 to £400,000 – £7,500
Total due – £13,350”
The rates for non-residential or mixed property transactions is set at 0% for up to £150,000, 3% for £150,001 to £350,000 and 4.5% for transactions over £350,000.
