Stamp duty for a Kuwaiti buyer in London: the 2026 rates with a worked example
Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid once, when the purchase completes. It is charged in bands, with 2% more for buyers who live outside the UK and 5% more for buyers who already own a home anywhere. On a £500,000 apartment that adds up to £50,000.
The bands
Each slice of the price is taxed at its own rate: 0% up to £125,000, 2% from £125,001 to £250,000, 5% from £250,001 to £925,000, 10% from £925,001 to £1.5 million, and 12% above £1.5 million.
The two surcharges
Buyers who do not live in the UK add 2% on the whole price. Buyers who already own a home anywhere in the world add 5% on the whole price. Most buyers from Kuwait pay both.
Example: a £500,000 apartment
Bought by an overseas buyer who already owns a home in Kuwait: standard stamp duty £15,000, non-resident surcharge £10,000, additional home surcharge £25,000. Total stamp duty £50,000.
Other costs to plan for
A solicitor for the legal work, usually a few thousand pounds. Mortgage arrangement and valuation fees only if you borrow. After you own it: an annual service charge, council tax paid by whoever lives there, and no ground rent on leases granted since June 2022. Rental income is taxed through the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.
