First Time Buyer SDLT - Am I eligible?

[Horchata]

Hi all,

I would like to buy a property in the UK and to achieve this would like to take advantage of the various Help to Buy schemes for first time buyers, as well as stamp duty tax relief. I have never purchased a property.

However a few years ago, my father who lives abroad, updated the deeds of his property to my name whilst retaining the 'usufruct', or right to live at the property, until his death. I have only retained the ‘bare ownership’ (or 'Remainderman’ I believe is the legal term) and have no right to sell or rent it, or do anything with it. For all intents and purposes the property is my father’s until his death (which could potentially be decades). My father is the sole 'beneficiary' at this time in the legal sense.

Would I therefore still be eligible for stamp duty relief which comes with being a first time buyer?

Thank you

[maths]

I would suggest that you will qualify.

[Horchata]

I would suggest that you will qualify.

Many thanks for your response, very helpful!