Buy to let and the extra stamp duty

[Ijustwantaquietlife]

I've got a family member with 5 BTL properties all in her own name and one other property she owns to live in. She sold her main house and bought another one to replace it.

She said she didn't need to pay the extra stamp duty as was replacing her main home. Is this right?

I would think so as your main residence is just that and shouldn't fall under buy to let rules if you live in it rather than let it out

Yes - it's her primary residence.

www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates

I'm fairly certain she does, as she owns more than one property.

That's - yes, your relative is correct, as she is replacing her primary residence she pays the standard rate of stamp duty.

Yes your relative is correct. There is an exemption where you are buying a main residence to replace one you have already sold.

Ah I see, does it matter if there's an 18 month gap in-between selling one main residence moving into rented as main residence and then buying a new main residence?

You are allowed a period of time to do this - I think it might be up to 2 years.

They would have to pay the higher rate and claim it back when the property sold. From memory I think they have 36 months but I could be wrong.