What is the stamp duty on a 2nd home?
Sarah Garza
Updated on March 13, 2026
If you’re buying a second home you will pay 3% on the first £250,000 of the purchase price, then 8% from £250,001 to £925,000. The usual rates of 13% and 15% apply for the last two bands. The stamp duty holiday has already ended in Scotland and Wales. Read more about stamp duty holidays across the United Kingdom below.
Are people still buying second homes?
Buyers aren’t just clamoring to buy a first time — they’re going after second properties, too. Mortgage rates are no longer sitting at historic lows, but they’re still very competitive. And that’s not only driving people to go out and buy homes — it’s also prompting them to purchase second homes.
Can I claim stamp duty back if I sell my second home?
You will be eligible for a stamp duty refund on your second home surcharge if you sell your main residence within three years of paying the additional 3%. Losing a buyer but not wishing to give up on your purchase, which will mean buying a ‘second home’ without selling your original main residence.
How many people own a second home in the US?
Now, however, as more Americans own vacation homes — the number of recreational second homes has risen roughly 25% since 1989, to 5.1 million, according to the National Association of Realtors — an array of new options is gaining popularity.
How is the sale of a second home taxed?
If you sell your second home, the gain will be taxed as a: Long-term capital gain — if you owned it for more than one year Short-term capital gain — if you owned it one year or less You can’t deduct a loss on the sale.
What does it mean to have a second home?
A second home is a place with sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. Second homes include: If you own more than two homes, you must choose which home other than your main home to treat as the second home. However, you don’t necessarily have to choose the same home as your second home each year.
Can you depreciate a second home on an annual basis?
With an investment property, Weinstein points out that you can deduct depreciation on an annual basis, but you can’t depreciate a second home if it’s only used for personal use. What are capital gains taxes? According to the IRS, there are two main categories of capital gains tax:
How is a second home treated as an investment?
“A non-primary residence — whether it is a second home, rental property, or a ‘fix-and-flip’ — is treated as an investment asset as opposed to a place where you reside,” explains real estate attorney Rajeh A. Saadeh.