Budget 2026: Stamp Duty Land Tax and Stamp Duty
The SDLT rates and thresholds remain unchanged. The following changes have been confirmed or announced:
- From 1st May 2026, no Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will be charged on the rent element of assured tenancies. In addition, the requirement to file SDLT returns solely because rent is payable under an assured tenancy has been removed
- The SDLT Group Relief rules have been amended so that a winding up of a vendor does not prevent the relief from being clawed back within the usual three-year period if the purchasing company subsequently leaves the group. The change will take effect from 29th October 2026
- Acquisitions of land and property made by Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pool companies from LGPS member funds are now subject to SDLT relief. The changes apply to transactions with an effective date on or after 28th October 2026 and before 1st April 2032
A Securities Transfer Tax will replace Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax in late 2027. This measure is designed to modernise the framework for stamp taxes on shares.
Gravita’s view
The Group Relief change is unwelcome and may deter companies from restructuring their operations. If you are reorganising your business and the transaction involves transferring property between group entities, we strongly recommend reviewing the operation of SDLT reliefs before proceeding.
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