Buying commercial property attracts a land transaction tax. Which tax applies depends on where the property is.
England and Northern Ireland: SDLT
Stamp Duty Land Tax on non-residential and mixed-use freehold purchases is charged in bands:
| Portion of the price | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £150,000 | 0% |
| £150,001 to £250,000 | 2% |
| Above £250,000 | 5% |
On a £1,000,000 warehouse that is £2,000 plus £37,500, a total of £39,500. Check current rates on GOV.UK.
Scotland: LBTT
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax is collected by Revenue Scotland, with its own non-residential bands.
Wales: LTT
Land Transaction Tax is collected by the Welsh Revenue Authority, with its own non-residential bands.
Things that change the bill
- SDLT is charged on the VAT-inclusive price where VAT applies. See VAT on commercial property.
- New leases attract tax on the rent as well as any premium.
- Mixed-use property is generally taxed at non-residential rates.
Fractional investors
When you buy shares in a property company you pay stamp duty on shares, generally 0.5%, rather than SDLT. The property company itself pays SDLT when it buys the building, and that cost is usually included in the amount raised from investors.
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. If you are unsure whether an investment is right for you, speak to a regulated financial adviser.