Property tax rules change frequently, and decisions made at one stage, such as how a property is bought or who owns it, can determine the tax payable many years later. Our property tax consultancy looks at the whole life of your investments, from acquisition through to sale or passing them on to the next generation.
Investors, traders and developers
Whether you are treated as an investor or as a trader makes a significant difference to how profits are taxed. Developers and those who buy to refurbish and sell face different rules from long-term landlords, including for VAT and, in some cases, the Construction Industry Scheme. We help you establish the correct treatment from the outset.
Selling property
Gains on residential property are subject to capital gains tax at 18% or 24%. For UK residential property, a return must usually be filed and the tax paid within 60 days of completion. We review the reliefs available, including private residence relief, check the base cost and allowable costs, and plan the timing of a sale where it can make a difference.
Ownership and income splitting
Holding property jointly with a spouse or civil partner, and in the right proportions, can make use of both partners’ allowances and tax bands. We advise on declarations of beneficial interest and the related HMRC elections.
Changes landlords need to plan for
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: landlords and sole traders with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and file quarterly updates from April 2026, with the threshold falling to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
- Property income tax rates: separate, higher rates of income tax will apply to property income from April 2027.
- Furnished holiday lettings: the special tax regime ended in April 2025 (see our July 2024 update), so holiday lets are now taxed in the same way as other residential lettings.
Succession and inheritance tax
Investment property does not normally qualify for business relief from inheritance tax. Lifetime gifts, trusts and family investment companies can all play a part in passing property on efficiently, but each has its own tax costs. We help you plan a route that suits your family.
Related services and insights
- Capital Gains Tax Planning
- Income Tax Planning & Advisory
- Succession & Profit Extraction
- SPV and Hybrid Company Structures
- Commercial Property Acquisition
- Tax update October 2024: Autumn Budget 2024 key changes
How we help
- Portfolio reviews and tax health checks
- Acquisition and sale planning
- Ownership restructuring
- Making Tax Digital set-up
- Inheritance tax and succession planning
Book an appointment for a property tax review.
