What the Angela Rayner Case Teaches Us About Solicitors and Stamp Duty

The recent spotlight on Angela Rayner’s property dealings has sparked debate about stamp duty and whether solicitors are doing enough to ensure buyers pay the correct amount.

But the truth is this: the problem doesn’t lie with solicitors. It lies with the complexity of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) itself.

Why Solicitors Aren’t to Blame for Stamp Duty Errors

When you buy a property, your solicitor ensures contracts are valid, funds are transferred, and the legal process is smooth. They also file the SDLT return with HMRC.

But here’s the catch: most solicitors are not SDLT specialists. Stamp duty is a highly complex tax, with thousands of pages of legislation, frequent changes, and multiple reliefs. Expecting a conveyancing solicitor to navigate every relief correctly is unrealistic - it’s like asking a GP to carry out heart surgery.

This means that while solicitors usually apply the standard stamp duty rates, they may not explore whether your property qualifies for a relief or refund.

The Real Lesson From the Angela Rayner Situation

If a senior politician’s property transaction can run into stamp duty issues, it shows just how easy it is for ordinary buyers to overpay.

This doesn’t mean your solicitor has failed you - it simply highlights that specialist SDLT advice is often needed. Buyers frequently miss out on legitimate claims such as:

• Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR)
• Mixed-use property relief
• Uninhabitable property claims
• 3% second home surcharge refunds

Why You Should Consult an SDLT Specialist

An SDLT advisor focuses solely on stamp duty. They review property transactions in detail, spot where reliefs apply, and ensure buyers don’t pay more (or less) tax than necessary. In fact, many homeowners only discover years later that they overpaid - sometimes by tens of thousands of pounds - because they didn’t seek specialist advice at the time of purchase.

By speaking to an SDLT specialist alongside your solicitor, you can:

• Avoid paying too much stamp duty upfront
• Claim a stamp duty refund if you’ve already overpaid
• Have peace of mind that your tax position is correct

The Angela Rayner case proves that stamp duty is too complex to rely on standard conveyancing alone. Solicitors are essential for the legal process, but when it comes to stamp duty, the safest move is to consult a specialist.

That way, you know you’ve paid the right amount - and not a penny more.