Property Tax

Property is still seen as a sound investment, but it’s easy to be caught out by tax. We’ll guide you through the latest tax changes and advise on the most suitable ownership structure.

Lynn Gracie

Private Client International Tax Director

Contact Lynn Meet the team

Who we can help

ENTREPRENEURS
HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS
INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE CLIENTS

How we can help

PROPERTY TAXATION
OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES
INHERITANCE TAX
IDENTIFYING TAX TRAPS
MAXIMISING PROPERTY INCOME

HELPING YOU MAKE THE BEST PROPERTY DECISIONS

Looking for property tax advice? Speak to us

The tax rules on residential property have changed considerably in recent years, making ownership of second homes and buy-to-let properties even more complex and in some cases, attracting punitive rates of tax.

Our advice on property taxation will make sure you’re not caught out by unexpected tax charges and help you stay tax-compliant. We’ll keep you up to date on the latest tax situation, with all the accurate advice and practical information you need to make cost-effective and rewarding property portfolio decisions.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STRUCTURE

As specialists in property taxation, we can help you determine which ownership structure will be the most tax-efficient for your investment property portfolio. The most frequently used are partnership, limited company, direct ownership and trusts.

Direct ownership can be the simplest option in terms of legal matters and paperwork, although it’s most advantageous if it is for your personal use, rather than a portfolio of multiple properties. There is no Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) and you could reduce Capital Gains Tax (CGT), particularly where the property is, or has been, your main residence.

Trust or corporate structures do have their advantages in certain circumstances. If you’re buying properties to rent them out, holding them in a company means you will pay corporate tax, at a lower rate than income tax. If tax is not your only concern, a trust may prove more helpful with estate planning, asset protection and confidentiality.

I contemplated transferring my business to a limited company and I knew I could rely on AAB to make the process as straightforward as possible whilst providing the accounts and tax advice to enable me to make the right decision.
Colin Brown
I have been a personal tax client of AAB for a number of years and in that time they have guided me through the tax return process and provided me with specialist advice relating to my non-resident tax position.
Peter Williams
They keep up to date with the changing tax landscape and always present things in a clear and understandable way. I would recommend their services to anyone.
Peter Smith
We have an excellent relationship with AAB formed over 7+ years. Their accounts and tax compliance services are thorough and efficient, and the specialist tax planning advice we have received has been first class.
Stanley & Evelyn Morrice

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Taking a long-term view and creating a portfolio to benefit your family can be one of the most tax-efficient routes to owning property, reducing your exposure to IHT and income tax. For example, by setting up a company with your family as shareholders, you can reduce the tax payable by using the personal allowances and lower tax bands of family members who earn less than you. You can use the dividend allowance when you pay dividends, and it is easier to transfer shares in the company to family members rather than having several family members own the same property directly. This provides the opportunity to undertake IHT planning and reduce the IHT payable on your estate.

The drawback is that this structure is most tax efficient if the majority of the profits and gains are kept within the company to benefit younger family members, as there’s a potential double tax charge when you take income from the company, particularly following a property sale. If the income is likely to attract higher tax rates or you’re thinking of selling a property from your portfolio, we suggest you talk to us first.

Talk to our team

TAX TRAPS TO LOOK OUT FOR

We’ll explain the latest rules on allowable deductions against your rental income profits, to ensure you claim all the expenses available to you. At the same time, we’ll tell you which deductions are restricted or no longer available.

You may already know there can be Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications if you dispose of an investment property. However, you might not be aware that the rate of tax remains higher than for other types of assets. We can help you plan for this liability by highlighting any potential reliefs available and advising on the optimum timing for disposal. Additionally, you may be able to save on CGT by transferring the property to your spouse if they are in a lower tax band. Provided the property is not mortgaged and you are not gaining financially from the transfer, there is no exposure to stamp taxes including Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).

An often overlooked tax connected with investment properties is (LBTT). Taking our advice early, so you fully understand the implications of the LBTT rules, can help you avoid unintended adverse tax charges on the purchase of investment properties.

Speak to us about property tax services

MAXIMISING YOUR PROPERTY INCOME

If you’re buying properties to rent them out, setting up a limited company means you will pay corporate tax, at a lower rate than income tax. We can advise on the available tax reliefs and claims available, to increase your post-tax income.

For example, if you are renting your properties, tax on your rental profits can be reduced by claiming expenses for repairs (but not improvements), deducting mortgage interest if applicable, claiming for use of your home as your office and use of your car in relation to managing the properties.

Finally, if you have had your rental properties for some time, consider having them revalued. They may well have gained in value, which could be good news if you’ve mortgaged your properties when acquiring them to build your portfolio. A higher value will reduce the loan’s value and may qualify you for a lower interest rate and less outlay.

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