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Buying property in United Kingdom

Buying in the UK as a non-resident: SDLT with the 2% surcharge, the leasehold trap (ground rent, EWS1, marriage value), and the 2026 leasehold reforms.

The UK is simple to hold but full of front-loaded traps for foreign buyers — the 2% non-resident SDLT surcharge and the leasehold system (ground rent, short leases, EWS1, marriage value). This hub pairs the leasehold checklist with the stamp-duty calculator so nothing surprises you at completion.

Guides for United Kingdom

10 min read

The UK leasehold trap — a foreign buyer’s checklist for 2026

Why an 80-year lease costs £40,000 to fix. Ground rent doubling clauses, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, EWS1 cladding gates, marriage value — and exactly what to ask before you offer on a flat.

Calculators for United Kingdom

Stamp duty (SDLT)

Bands + 2% non-resident surcharge

Rental yield

Buy-to-let with NRL scheme

Eligibility check

Ownership rules by citizenship

Cost of buying

Cost of buying property in the United Kingdom

SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k →

Buying guides by nationality

US→GBBuying in United Kingdom as an American citizen

Compare United Kingdom

UK vs Portugal →

Considering a specific United Kingdom property?

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Analyse a United Kingdom property →