‘Non residential’ SDLT return?
We can help.

Do you want to purchase a house or flat in England that needs modernisation? You may save significant stamp duty costs if the property is correctly assessed as ‘non-residential’ for  stamp duty purposes. However, you will need to have supporting evidence to defend your decision with:

  • Your conveyancing solicitor who needs justification to submit a stamp duty return as ‘non-residential’
  • HMRC in the event they query your assessment

That’s where we help you.

Expert stamp duty assessment.

Sometimes, purchasing a property in poor condition can result in it being mistakenly classified as “residential” for stamp duty purposes, instead of “non-residential,” which incurs lower stamp duty costs.

To avoid this, you can present evidence to your lawyer and HMRC showing the property is actually ‘not liveable’ in. This could save you a significant amount of money.

Our difference.

Thorough processes:

  • Initial evaluation to determine the viability of your case
  • Photography and video documentation of the property
  • Case file accompanied by an RICS chartered surveyor’s expert testimony
  • Comprehensive preparation of the case file
  • A 100% fee refund guarantee in the event that the ‘non-residential’ assessment is disputed and reversed by HMRC.

Stamp Duty (SDLT) Calculator.

See our case fees and discover how much
stamp duty you should pay in…1 minute.
Our stamp duty calculator is designed to help you calculate the stamp duty you need to pay for your property. It’s suitable for most scenarios, such as purchasing your first home, buying a second home, purchasing through a limited company or purchasing as a non UK resident.

We’ve developed an algorithm to consider your situation and provide useful advice to help you determine if making a stamp duty claim is worthwhile. However, it’s important to note that you should only pursue a stamp duty refund if your property satisfies specific eligibility criteria as shown in our eligibility tool.

Please note that our calculator doesn’t include short-term lease agreements on properties. In these cases, you should use the UK government HMRC Stamp Duty calculator. We also don’t cover multiple dwellings relief transactions and other outlier stamp duty cases.

While our stamp duty tool can give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay, it’s important to note that you should not rely on it for actual stamp duty returns. For this, it’s best to use the government stamp duty calculator.

Pay the right stamp duty.

We have extensive expertise in HMRC procedures and evaluating property condition.

Frequently asked questions

Obtain a case file from £750 including VAT to make a claim for non-residential stamp duty. This package includes photographs, videos, and an independent  statement from a RICS expert. Best done before property completion for a successful claim. Guaranteed full refund if transaction fails for valid reason.

The case file will include:
– Photographic evidence demonstrating the poor state of repair of the property
– Video evidence as supplementary support for the case file
– A statement from an independent expert witness, a chartered RICS surveyor, affirming your claim, if deemed necessary.

We generally recommend that the stamp duty case file be created prior to the completion of the property transaction. In the event that the transaction does not close due to a reasonable cause, we will issue a full refund of the amount paid to us.

Utilize our condition assessment tool and stamp duty calculator to determine if your property meets the qualifications for being classified as “non-residential” and if it is worth pursuing a reassessment for non-residential stamp duty.

In order to ensure compliance with the principle of paying the correct stamp duty, it is crucial to establish a strong argument for classifying your property as non-residential, in the event that HMRC challenges your stamp duty declaration.

It is imperative to put together the case file before the completion date takes effect, whether that be when the contract is substantially performed before completion or on the actual date of the property transaction. This is due to the requirement of paying stamp duty within 14 days of completing the property transaction. As a result, it is more efficient to compile the case file while the conveyancing process is ongoing.

A copy of the property survey report, preferably conducted by a Chartered RICS surveyor and formatted in accordance with RICS guidelines. This standardized report format enables any future reviewers to easily comprehend the issues highlighted by the surveyor.
Photographic evidence of any relevant property condition issues.

For an additional fee of £80 (including VAT), we can visit the property currently in the process of conveyancing and take photographs and videos of any condition issues that support your claim of it being ‘non-residential.’ This fee will be deducted from the final invoice for the preparation of the case file.

Our nominated RICS chartered surveyor, Brendan Neely, will conduct an independent assessment of your case file. He will objectively evaluate the submitted evidence and provide his expert opinion as a neutral third party.

The case evidence will be reviewed by our designated RICS chartered surveyor, Brendan Neely, who will objectively assess the evidence and provide impartial comments as an expert witness. It’s important to note that Mr. Neely is an unbiased third-party, and he may not concur with your assertion that the property should be classified as non-residential.

If Mr. Neely determines that the property is indeed “residential” based on the Human Habitation Act of 2018, you will be notified and given the option to either proceed with the case file creation or discontinue the work. If you choose to discontinue, you will not be charged for any work done to that point. However you will not be reimbursed the cost of procuring photographic evidence through our representative, which is £80.
The case file is then put together in a standard format and given to your conveyancing lawyer, along with a request for the stamp duty self-assessment to be recorded as “non-residential”. Your conveyancing lawyer is required to follow your instructions as long as it does not conflict with their professional standards. That’s why having a well-assembled case file to support your claim that a property is “non-residential” is crucial.

“If your property warrants it, we can put together a strong case file so your solicitor is confident about self assessing your property as non-residential. If HMRC query you, you have a ready defence. “

Renovations? Claim Back Stamp Duty.

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If you
– You bought a residential property,
– Purchased in the last 4 years,
– Needed renovation after purchase,
– Paid higher rate SDLT

You could be due a stamp duty rebate from HMRC.
All claims are HMRC compliant.

Contact us today to discuss your rebate case.
Our team of 15 is here to assist you.

Speak with Nick Garner

To discuss your stamp duty rebate case
call today:
0204 577 3323