Transfers of land or buildings

You are subject to stamp duty at the following rates when land or buildings are conveyed or transferred to you by deed:

(a) non-residential property, at 6%, where the consideration exceeds €80,000,

(b) residential property (effective 8 December 2010), at

(i) 1% on the first €1,000,000 of consideration, and at

(ii) 2% on the remainder.

If a property is transferred to you for less than full value (for example, a gift), stamp duty is charged on the market value (s 30).

Lease of land or buildings

When you acquire a leasehold interest in property, you pay stamp duty on both the rent and the premium.

Premium: You pay the same duty as would apply to a transfer of land or buildings, i.e., up to 6%, or 9%, depending on whether the property is residential or commercial.

Rent: If the lease is for a term which is indefinite, or for less than 35 years, the rate of duty is 1% of the average annual rent. But if the lease relates to a house or apartment, and the annual rent is less than €30,000, the lease is exempt.

If the lease is for a term between 35 and 100 years, you pay duty at 6% of the average annual rent.

If the lease is for a term exceeding 100 years, you pay duty at 12% of the average annual rent (Schedule 1).

Transfers of marketable shares or securities

You pay duty at 1% of the price paid for the shares. This rate also applies to electronic share trading transactions within the CREST system (Schedule 1).

A transfer for less than full value (for example, a gift of shares) is charged at market value (s 30).

Fixed duty

Fixed duty is charged (Schedule 1) at €12.50 on the following documents:

Appointment of new trustee

Collateral security

Declaration of trust

Duplicate or counterpart

Transfer where no beneficial interest passes

It is charged at €0.50 on cheques.