Stamp Duty - higher or lower rate advice please

[LeithWalk]

My DP ( not married) is planning on buying a house to renovate and sell on. He can finance this in his own name.

DP sold his marital home 6 years ago.
He has lived with me for 9 years. He is registered on the electoral role at this address. My house is in my own name which I've owned for 20 years.

On the new purchase will he pay the lower or higher rate of stamp duty?

TIA

I think as you arent married he would be paying the standard rate, the solicitor will be able to advice this for definite

Standard rate as he doesn't own anything else currently.
He wouldn't qualify for first time buyer relief as he has owned property in the past.

Oh, and marriage makes no difference for SDLT purposes.

Marriage does make a difference for the purposes of the additional 3% rate. It is tested on whether you, your spouse or any minor child of either or both of you already have an interest in a property. Always take proper advice on tax.

I think Marriage does make a difference as in the eyes of HMRC once you are married you are "joint". So if you were married it would be higher rate, unmarried is standard. As someone else has said please do get professional advice - your solicitor will be able to help.

Oh, and marriage makes no difference for SDLT purposes.

It definitely does!

Thanks, we will take advice but just wanted to get a feel. The higher stamp duty rate adds £6,300 to the costs making the renovation much less attractive.
Thanks again.