LBTT in East Lothian
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax at East Lothian's own average prices.
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the UK House Price Index and Revenue Scotland's published rates.
Not legal advice. This page has not been reviewed by a solicitor. The figures are official statistics run through our calculators, not a quote.
How much LBTT will I pay in East Lothian?
As of August 2026, the average home in East Lothian costs £286,314. A home mover paying the local average of £356,713 pays £9,021 in LBTT, and a first-time buyer at £222,725 pays £955. A second home adds the 8% Additional Dwelling Supplement on the whole price.
Updated
The price you're paying for the home.
The LBTT on this purchase
Enter the price to see the tax, worked out band by band.
LBTT at East Lothian's average prices
| Buyer | Price | LBTT (with ADS where due) |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyer, at the local first-time buyer average | £222,725 | £955 |
| Home mover, at the local average for movers | £356,713 | £9,021 |
| Flat (usually leasehold), at the local flat average | £165,648 | £413 |
| Detached house, at the local detached average | £538,897 | £27,240 |
| Second home or buy-to-let, at the local average | £286,314 | £26,821 |
More questions about buying in East Lothian
What is the average house price in East Lothian?
£286,314 in August 2026, 44% above the Scotland average of £198,397. How prices in East Lothian have moved over the year.
Source: HM Land Registry, UK House Price Index, August 2026.
How is LBTT worked out on a home in East Lothian?
£9,021 in all on the local average for home movers, £356,713, charged slice by slice: 0% on £145,000, 2% on £105,000 (£2,100), 5% on £75,000 (£3,750) and 10% on £31,713 (£3,171).
Source: HM Land Registry, UK House Price Index, August 2026; Revenue Scotland, LBTT residential rates, rates checked 2 November 2026.
Do first-time buyers pay LBTT in East Lothian?
First-time buyer relief raises the LBTT nil rate band to £175,000. At the local first-time buyer average of £222,725, LBTT is £955.
Source: HM Land Registry, UK House Price Index, August 2026; Revenue Scotland, LBTT residential rates, rates checked 2 November 2026.
Are new-build homes dearer in East Lothian?
Yes: new-build homes averaged £377,782 in June 2026, 51% more than existing homes at £250,345.
Source: HM Land Registry, UK House Price Index, June 2026.
How much is council tax in East Lothian?
£1,698 a year at Band D on average for 2026-27, including precepts. Every band in East Lothian.
Nearby councils
| Area | Average price | LBTT, home mover |
|---|---|---|
| Midlothian | £277,939 | £6,805 |
| City of Edinburgh | £301,313 | £10,663 |
| Fife | £182,463 | £1,581 |
| Scottish Borders | £195,045 | £2,082 |
Buying in Scotland needs a solicitor qualified in Scotland. Instrukt can't introduce one, so there is no enquiry form on this page; the Law Society of Scotland has a find a solicitor service.
Prices over the last year: house prices in East Lothian.
Want to know if we start covering Scotland?
Questions
How much is LBTT in East Lothian?
Sources
- HM Land Registry and Registers of Scotland: UK House Price Index, full file (August 2026)
- Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Scotland) Act 2013
- LBTT (Scotland) Act 2013, Schedule 2A (Additional Dwelling Supplement)
- Revenue Scotland: LBTT residential rates and first-time buyer relief
- Revenue Scotland: Additional Dwelling Supplement
House prices from the UK House Price Index for August 2026, retrieved 2026-11-02; LBTT worked out with Revenue Scotland's published rates. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. This page is general information, not legal advice, and hasn't been reviewed by a solicitor. Instrukt is not a law firm.