Vendor stamp duty charge

[Dishwashersaurous]

Quick question, and I know I can and will ask my solicitor but just wanted to know straight away.

My vendor is pushing for a specific date to avoid a stamp duty charge. My understanding is that they have exchanged but not completed on their ongoing purchase.

I just trying to understand what this might be as I assume it is the second home charge but just not sure how it will apply

There is a time limit for applying for a refund of the "extra" SD, in some cases.

Eg, elderly relatives owned a house ,bought a flat, had to pay the 2nd homes SD, moved, then sold original house. As they sold within 3years, and both properties were only ever going to be their main residence, they could then reclaim the "extra" SD .

Two examples might be:

1. Buying a foreign holiday home on 1st June (so must purchase UK property prior to that for it to be excluded from charge if no other properties owned)

2. Getting married or cohabiting on/from 1 June to someone who already owns a property (so must purchase yours in their single name prior to being classified by HMRC as a couple and being liable for second properly charge on that basis)

Loads more situations, but there's a taster for you.