What we do

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT)

SDLT was introduced in 2003 to replace the existing stamp duty levied upon land and buildings.

Since 1997, the tax has been increased from 1% to 4%, and the total yield to the government from stamp duty and SDLT has increased from just over £1bn to £8bn.

We view SDLT as an unfair and inefficient tax that penalises economic activity within the property sector. The tax has existed since the Napoleonic War so it is highly unlikely the government will remove it, especially as it contributes so much to the Revenue. However, we continue to seek to make the government aware of the negative impact it has on economic activity and to improve the administration of the tax to reduce its onerous compliance burden on the property industry.