selling second home and buying another stamp duty Q

[NuckyThompson]

If you are selling a second property and using the funds to buy another property are you still subject to the enhanced stamp duty rate each time you do this?

[anonymous-user]

NuckyThompson said:

If you are selling a second property and using the funds to buy another property are you still subject to the enhanced stamp duty rate each time you do this?

I believe the only time you are not subject to secondary stamp duty is if the property you are selling is your main residence.

[GR_TVR]

NuckyThompson said:

If you are selling a second property and using the funds to buy another property are you still subject to the enhanced stamp duty rate each time you do this?

Yes, unfortunately!

[NickCQ]

Joey Deacon said:

I believe the only time you are not subject to secondary stamp duty is if the property you are selling is your main residence.

That's right - you are allowed to substitute one main residence for another (i.e. moving home if you already own a BTL), but you can't sell one BTL and buy another if you own your main residence.

The definition of main residence is, IIRC, a bit wooly, so it might be possible to flip between residences in the way that MPs used to do for expenses purposes

[NuckyThompson]

If you do end up using it as your main residence within 3 years you can claim back the 2nd home portion of stamp duty though is that correct?