From April 2016 the purchase of second homes will be subject to a higher rate of stamp duty land tax. Anyone purchasing a second home in addition to their main residence will be liable to pay the higher rate of stamp duty land tax even if the property is not let out. The higher rate will be 3 percentage points above the current SDLT rates, and will take effect from the 1st April, 2016. Certain purchases are exempt, ie. mobile homes, houseboats and caravans.
