Avoid Costly SDLT Mistakes — Make Sure Your Higher Rate Refund Claim Is 100% Correct (Sold Within 3 Years)
Bought a new home before selling your previous one?
Sold your previous home within 3 years and looking to reclaim the higher rate of Stamp Duty?
Here’s the catch: HMRC often operates on a “pay now, check later” approach.
A refund may be issued initially — but if the claim isn’t properly put together, it can be reviewed later. If it’s questioned, the refund may need to be repaid, and in some cases penalties can apply.
A £10,000+ SDLT refund can be easy to claim — and expensive to get wrong.
Most homeowners assume they’re eligible — only to discover later that HMRC scrutinises every detail. That’s why professional handling matters
We ensure your claim is fully prepared, compliant, and structured so it can withstand HMRC review — every time.
Free initial assessment — no obligation
UK Registered Company | SDLT Compliance Review | Secure Data Handling | No Upfront Fees
Takes 2 minutes. Reviewed properly — not just a basic check.
These aren’t obvious when checking eligibility — but they are exactly what HMRC looks at if a claim is reviewed.
Think Your Claim Is Straightforward? Most People Are Wrong
Most higher rate SDLT refund claims seem simple:
You buy a new property, sell your previous main residence within 36 months, and expect a refund.
In many cases, that assumption is initially correct.
But HMRC doesn’t just take claims at face value. Every aspect of your situation is reviewed, and even minor inconsistencies can impact your refund or create complications later.
Common pitfalls that catch DIY claims:
The previous property may not fully qualify as a main residence
Timelines that slightly deviate from HMRC limits
Joint ownership arrangements complicating relief
Additional properties affecting eligibility
Misunderstandings about how HMRC interprets the rules
Even if a refund is issued, HMRC can review the claim later — and most DIY claims fall short because they’re not built to properly hold up if questioned.
This is why a professionally prepared, HMRC-proof claim is the only way to be confident.
Takes 2 minutes to get started.
Why You Need Expert Handling
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End-to-end service: review, preparation, submission, and HMRC communication
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HMRC-proof claims: structured to withstand scrutiny, including timelines, ownership, and evidence
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Professional oversight: every claim is reviewed by our experienced SDLT specialists, with additional scrutiny from Chartered Tax professionals where appropriate.
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No upfront fees: pay only if your claim is successful
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Secure and confidential: fully GDPR compliant
Trying to do this yourself means relying on your own interpretation of HMRC rules — and that’s where most mistakes tend to happen.
We make sure your position is properly assessed and handled before anything goes to HMRC.
Takes 2 minutes. Reviewed properly — not just a basic check.
Answer a few quick questions so we can review your situation properly.
This takes about 2 minutes — we’ll assess your situation and confirm whether your claim aligns with HMRC rules.
✔ No upfront fees
✔ End-to-end service by SDLT specialists
✔ Fully compliant, secure, and professionally prepared
Free initial assessment – no obligation.
How we ensure your claim is accurate before it reaches HMRC
Once you submit your details, your case is reviewed in full to confirm your claim genuinely meets HMRC’s criteria before anything is submitted.
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We only proceed where your claim clearly satisfies HMRC’s criteria in full — not just the basic eligibility most people rely on
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Your case is reviewed in detail, not simply run through a standard eligibility check
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Assessed by our experienced Stamp Duty specialists prior to submission
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Any risks, inconsistencies, or grey areas are identified and addressed in advance
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Your claim is structured and evidenced to withstand HMRC review, both now and in the future
Submitting a claim without a proper review means relying on your own interpretation of HMRC rules — and that’s exactly where mistakes happen, often only becoming clear when the claim is questioned or an enquiry is opened later.
We prepare and handle your claim properly from the outset — so it’s structured correctly and stands up if it’s ever formally reviewed later.
No upfront fees — only charged if your claim is successful. Your refund is paid directly to you — we never handle client funds
There’s more to this than the 36-month rule
Most people understand the headline rule:
sell your previous main residence within 36 months, and the higher rate SDLT can be reclaimed.
But that’s only part of the picture.
A compliant claim depends on a number of underlying factors, including:
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Whether the property genuinely qualifies as your main residence — not simply where you lived
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How ownership is structured, particularly in joint or changing ownership situations
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The impact of any additional properties on how the rules apply
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The sequence and timing of events, as interpreted under HMRC rules
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The overall consistency of your position, including how the claim is presented and supported
This is why two situations that appear almost identical on the surface can lead to very different outcomes once assessed in detail.
How it Works
1) You purchase a new main residence before selling your previous home and pay the higher rate of Stamp Duty.
2) You sell your previous main residence within 36 months of the new purchase.
3) Your situation is reviewed in detail to ensure your claim fully satisfies HMRC requirements, based on your complete circumstances — not just surface-level eligibility.
4) Your claim is then professionally prepared and structured around ownership, timelines, and supporting evidence, ensuring it is coherent, fully supported, and ready for submission.
Note:
Meeting the 36-month timeline alone does not guarantee eligibility — how the property was used, owned, and evidenced must also meet HMRC criteria.
This is where a carefully prepared and well-structured claim makes a measurable difference — ensuring everything is in place from the outset.
FAQ
Will I need to gather lots of documents or handle the technical side?
The process is designed to minimise your involvement.
We guide you on exactly what’s needed, and handle the technical assessment and preparation as part of the claim.
Most of the work is in reviewing and structuring the claim correctly — not just collecting documents.
Do you charge any upfront fees?
No — there are no upfront costs.
Fees are only charged if your claim is successful.
Your refund is paid directly to you first, and our fee is invoiced afterwards in line with agreed terms.
How do you determine whether my claim is actually valid?
Each case is reviewed in full against HMRC legislation, guidance, and relevant tribunal decisions.
This is not a basic eligibility check — it’s a comprehensive technical assessment of whether your claim will stand up when HMRC reviews it.
Every claim goes through a rigorous internal review process to ensure it is fully compliant, properly evidenced, and prepared to withstand scrutiny.
How long does the process usually take?
Initial assessments by us are typically completed within a week. Once submitted, HMRC processing times vary, but many claims progress within approximately 4–6 weeks.
Timeframes can vary depending on the complexity of the case and HMRC review processes.
What happens if HMRC questions or opens an enquiry into the claim?
Support continues throughout the process.
If HMRC requests further information or clarification, responses are managed in line with current legislation and established practice, ensuring everything is accurate, consistent, and fully supported.
This is where the quality of the original preparation becomes critical — a properly structured claim is far easier to support if HMRC takes a closer look.
How is my information handled and protected?
Your information is handled securely in line with UK GDPR and data protection regulations.
All personal details, property information, and supporting documents are processed confidentially and stored using secure systems.
Don’t Leave Your Claim Open to Challenge
Your potential refund is significant — ensure it’s done right from the start, so you don’t risk having to repay it later.
✔ No upfront fees
✔ End-to-end service by SDLT specialists
✔ Fully compliant, secure, and professionally prepared
Takes 2 minutes to get started.