Avoiding the extra sting of buying a new house

[stamping]

I am looking to buy a house with my partner for £255,000. How stringent is the law regarding giving cash for f+f's in lieu of paying the higher rate of stamp duty? ie pay 249 and give 2-5 k to the owner for appliances left etc

Also, are there any allowances for first time buyers in this price bracket?

ps Roll on some sort of estate agent regulatory policy

[Nigel Lord]

Stamping

The regulations depend on the facts. You may pay separately the open market value for non-structural fixtures and fittings, but no more.

I refer you to the Inland Revenue website guidance on this matter:

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/so/sdlt-fixtures.htm

Why not consider agreeing to pay the vendor's legal and agency costs in exchange for a reduced consideration?

Nigel Lord
Lord Associates
Taxation & Business Consultants
Caxton House
Old Station Road
Loughton
Essex, IG10 4PE
020 8418 9101 & 07769 931852
mail@lordassociates.co.uk