Why buy-to-let buyers often pay more upfront tax
Many landlords already own a residence, so their next purchase is treated as an additional dwelling rather than a standard owner-occupier move. That can push SDLT materially higher before renovation, furnishing, or mortgage fees even enter the picture.
Cash-flow planning matters more than just yield
Two properties with similar rental yields can create very different upfront capital requirements once SDLT is included. That is why investors should model the tax bill before they finalize offer strategy or leverage.
Run the buy-to-let path against the standard path
Even when the surcharge clearly applies, comparing the landlord path with the standard residential path shows exactly how much the additional-property rule is costing you. That makes portfolio decisions easier to stress test.
Estimate buy-to-let SDLT now
Use the calculator with the additional dwelling option enabled to model the likely landlord purchase route.
Open Buy-to-Let SDLT Calculator