SDLT on new home for renting

Paperweight

Hi. I am going to sell my current home which is the only property that I own and I am going to buy a new house. However, once I have bought the house it is my intention to go travelling in my motorhome for at least a couple of years. During this time I intent to rent out my house. My question is, will I be able to buy the property as my main residence with regards to SDLT if I am intending to rent it out almost immediately. 

saajan_12

Re SDLT:
If you only own one property at any given time, then it doesn't matter whether its your main home or not. You'd just pay the normal stamp duty. The main home status only comes into play if you at least one other and are trying to get a refund or exemption as you're only buying / replacing a main home. 
[I'm assuming the motor home is a vehicle and not property in this sense]

Re the plan overall:
I know not your core question, but if it helps.. why buy a house and not live in it? Rental properties are generally more profitable when you can keep an eye and do some of the management yourself, given the strict requirements and penalties. Any reason for not considering other less hands on investments? That has the added benefit that if you return and want to live somewhere else, you can decide at the time. 

SDLT_Geek

Paperweight said:

Hi. I am going to sell my current home which is the only property that I own and I am going to buy a new house. However, once I have bought the house it is my intention to go travelling in my motorhome for at least a couple of years. During this time I intent to rent out my house. My question is, will I be able to buy the property as my main residence with regards to SDLT if I am intending to rent it out almost immediately. 

I agree with @saajan_12 on this.  If it is the only property you own, then standard rates of SDLT should apply. 

It might well be different though if you have a spouse / civil partner who owns a property.