Stamp duty is essentially a charge on certain documents, not transactions. However, an equivalent tax is charged on electronic share transfers under the CREST system. The main duty is 0.5% on share transfers.

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is charged on most land transactions. For acquisitions and lease premiums, rates, charged on the whole consideration, are:

*£150,000 for non-residential land.

In disadvantaged areas, all non-residential property transfers and residential property transfers up to £150,000 are exempt from SDLT.

SDLT is charged on lease rents at 1% of the net present value of rent over the lease term to the extent that this exceeds £60,000 (residential) or £150,000 (commercial).