Will I get a stamp duty land tax refund?

Question I own two properties, one is my main residence and the second is a flat which is let. I am planning to purchase a further property. After I have purchased this property I intend to move into it and make it my main residence and sell the above property, which is at present my main residence. I know that if I purchase this third property after 5 April 2016 I am liable for the extra 3% stamp duty land tax (SDLT). What concerns me is this: will I be eligible to apply for a refund of this 3% if I sell what is now my principal property within 18 months, as I am just exchanging my main residence or will I not be eligible due to owning an additional property which is let?

Arthur Weller replies:
If you look at Question 12 at the end of www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/508272/GuidanceNote_Final.pdf you can see that you will be able to claim a refund of the additional 3% SDLT because you are replacing your main residence within the required time limit (even though you separately own a buy-to-let).