3% penal stamp tax on second home

[george price]

I am buying a home with jointly with my fiance completion next week. We will get married nest year in August 2017.
I had bought a small buy to let flat quite some time ago to kickstart a pension, being self employed, therefore, I will be considered for the 3% penal stamp duty as second home buyer.
However, my fiance is not a home owner, therefore would she be liable for a share of the 3% penal stamp duty or is it that as 50% joint ownership, I would only have to pay half the 3% penal stamp tax ie 1.50% and my fiance will not have to pay anything?

Thanks

[section 44]

As you and your fiancé are buying together you both be liable for the additional 3% stamp duty land tax

[george price]

Thanks for the reply, it seems somewhat unfair that my fiance being a first time buyer has to also jointly pay half of the 3 % penal stamp duty applicable to second homes due to becoming joint owner.

[JRG]

If the house you're buying is worth more than the flat you've got you could sell the flat, then buy the house, then buy another flat.
Note: Do proper costings because it wouldn't be worth doing if the flat selling & buying fees exceed what you'd pay in the 3% penal stamp duty.