Do I pay stamp duty?

homeless9

I am a First Time Buyer and buying in England, the home I am purchasing is £300,000, do I pay stamp duty on this?

As far as I was aware I shouldn't pay any stamp duty, but my solicitor just sent me an invoice with 'Stamp Duty: £5000' on it. Which is a bit of a shock as I cannot afford this. I assume it's a mistake....

But wanted to check here whether I am supposed to pay it before I email them back. Is there any reason why a first time buyer in England who is buying a property for £300,000 should be paying stamp duty?

Lokolo

When you say £300,000, you mean exactly £300,000?
And have you actually tried asking your solicitor why they want to charge you as you are a first time buyer? 

homeless9

Lokolo said:

When you say £300,000, you mean exactly £300,000?
And have you actually tried asking your solicitor why they want to charge you as you are a first time buyer? 

yes, exactly £300,000. I have not asked them yet. I want to just double check here before contacting them to question it.

davidmcn

Does your solicitor know you're a first time buyer? That's the correct amount if you weren't.

homeless9

davidmcn said:

Does your solicitor know you're a first time buyer? That's the correct amount if you weren't.

They should do.

Lokolo

You won't pay stamp duty, just let your solicitor know you are a first time buyer. 

homeless9

I have emailed them to get them to remove this fee.

homeless9

They removed it.