Stamp Duty Rates

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty is a Government tax payable when you purchase a property and is calculated on the value of the property. It also takes into account whether the property is for use as an investment or whether it will be used as an owner occupier residence. The money paid to the Government is to ensure that your deeds are stamped, without it your deeds can't be registered.

First-time buyer

First-time buyers who buy a new or second-hand property with the intention of living in it are no longer liable to pay stamp duty. A first time buyer is someone who has never previously either built or purchased a home. Since December 5th 2007 the claw-back period in relation to letting your property entirely, has been reduced from 5 to 2 years.

Owner occupier / Not first time buyer

No stamp duty is due if the property is new and does not exceed 125 square metres. They must be the first people to occupy the property and they are required to live there for a period of two years under the new claw-back amendments announced December 5th, 2007.

If the property exceeds 125 square metres, there are two things to consider. If the cost of the site exceeds €127,000 or 25% of the cost of the site plus construction (less VAT) exceeds this amount they are liable to pay stamp duty.

Investors / Non owner occupier

You are liable for stamp duty on both new and second-hand residential property using the same criteria as outlined above. (Owner occupier / Not first-time buyer)

Divorced / Separated

In certain circumstances divorced or separated people are classed as first-time buyers:

• If their former partner still occupies their previously mutual home at the date of separation/divorce.
• If their former home was the only property in which they held an interest in prior to separation/divorce.
• If they have left their former home and no longer hold an interest in the property.

Only the amount in excess of €1million will be liable to 9% stamp duty.