Expert Assessment for your Stamp Duty.
Fast, Simple, Secure.
If your property required work or special conditions after purchase, we’ll assess whether you paid the correct Stamp Duty.
Buying an additional property often means paying a higher Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rate — but if your property wasn’t fit to live in at the time of purchase, you may have overpaid.
At Stamp Duty Tax, our specialist team will assess your purchase details, identify your eligibility, and manage the entire refund process directly with HMRC. We handle everything — from gathering documentation to final approval — so you can relax while we work to recover what’s rightfully yours.
Book your assessment today and let our experts review your case with clarity and confidence.
You Could Be Owed or overpaying a Stamp Duty
Did your second property need major repairs before anyone could move in?
If so, you could be eligible for a Stamp Duty refund.
At Stamp Duty Tax, we help property owners across the UK reclaim overpaid Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)from HMRC — ensuring you get back what you may be legally entitled to.
So, how does it work?
Our process is simple, transparent, and designed to help you understand your Stamp Duty position.
From the moment you submit your enquiry to the completion of your assessment, our experts guide you every step of the way.
At Stamp Duty Tax, we believe that everyone who meets the eligibility criteria deserves to receive the refund they’re rightfully owed — and we’re here to make that happen.
Review Your UK Stamp Duty Assessment Today
What qualifies as uninhabitable
In England and Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a government tax payable when purchasing land or residential property above a certain price threshold.
While some buyers, such as first-time homeowners, may benefit from reduced rates or reliefs, those buying additional or investment properties are usually required to pay higher rates.
Stamp Duty applies to both freehold and leasehold purchases — whether the property is bought outright or with a mortgage. The amount owed depends on the property’s purchase price and where it falls within the official Stamp Duty tax bands.
These tax bands determine the percentage of SDLT charged on portions of the property’s value, and the amount can increase significantly for higher-value homes or additional properties.
However, in some situations, buyers may be eligible to reclaim part of the tax they’ve paid — particularly if the property was found to be uninhabitable or required major works at the time of purchase.
At Stamp Duty Tax, we specialise in helping property owners identify qualifying cases and recover overpaid SDLT efficiently and securely.
Let’s Talk Legalities
At Stamp Duty Tax, our team brings together a diverse group of specialists — including tax consultants, accountants, chartered surveyors, and legal advisors — all dedicated to handling even the most complex Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) claims.
Our transparent, honest, and client-first approach has helped us recover over millions in repayments from HMRC — saving our clients from the stress of navigating complicated paperwork and legal processes.
If you’ve purchased a property deemed ‘uninhabitable’ within the last four years, and suspect you may have overpaid Stamp Duty, we may be able to help.
It’s understandable if you haven’t heard much about HMRC making significant SDLT repayments — many people haven’t. That’s why we not only focus on getting your money back, but also on educating property owners about their rights and entitlements.
Next, we’ll look at the case law and key factors that guide our successful claims — and how these principles ensure your case is handled with the highest level of accuracy and care.
Real Cases That Changed How SDLT is Viewed
PN Bewley Ltd v HMRC (2019)
A landmark case where the taxpayer successfully argued that a property purchased in poor condition should not be treated as a “dwelling” for SDLT purposes.
The tribunal ruled that because the bungalow required substantial renovation — including removal of asbestos, new heating systems, and structural work — it was uninhabitable at the time of purchase.
This decision set a precedent for buyers who paid higher SDLT rates on derelict or unfit-for-living properties.
Mr & Mrs Suterwalla v HMRC (2023)
In this case, the taxpayers argued that part of their property — a paddock used for grazing — should not fall under the “residential grounds” category for SDLT.
The tribunal agreed, confirming that the paddock’s non-residential use meant the purchase qualified for lower, mixed-use SDLT rates.
This ruling reinforced that land classification matters, and not all property linked to a dwelling is automatically taxed as residential.
Anne-Marie Hurst v HMRC (2024)
The purchaser of a historic manor house successfully appealed an SDLT decision by showing that parts of the property were used — or intended for use — in a commercial or mixed-use capacity.
The tribunal found in favour of the taxpayer, confirming that non-residential SDLT rates applied.
This case demonstrates that with clear evidence, buyers can challenge how their property’s purpose is interpreted for tax purposes.
Why These Cases Matter
These landmark rulings show that if your property’s condition at the time of purchase made it uninhabitable, the wrong Stamp Duty rate may have been applied
At Stamp Duty Tax, We analyse your property details and purchase documents to assess whether a lower rate or relief should have applied.
Our team carefully prepares and manages your claim from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and the strongest possible outcome.
Please note: Past cases do not guarantee the same result in your situation. Each claim is assessed individually and depends on its unique facts and supporting evidence.
