Tax Advice for Property Investors

Critical Changes to CGT

From 6 April 2020, anyone making a taxable gain from the sale of UK residential property will have to pay the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) owed within 30 days of the completion date.

CGT was previously paid as part of annual self-assessment returns. This therefore means a significant change. A payment that could have been made between 10 and 22 months after the date of sale is now due almost immediately. There are also changes to letting tax reliefs and final period exemptions outlined in our full factsheet.

Common Questions regarding the 30-day payment window

• Are there any applicable tax reliefs that can reduce the tax due?
• How will the tax payment affect my annual self-assessment return?
• Can I still offset capital losses against the gain?

Other changes in summary:

• Letting relief rules tightened. 
  This tax relief on previous main residences will now be limited to those who shared occupancy with their tenant. Previously this relief may have exempted £40,000 of the gain (so £80,000 for co-owners). 
• Final period exemption reduced.  
  If a property was ever a main residence, in most cases the last 18 months of ownership qualify for private residence relief and are exempt from tax. This will now be limited to 9 months. 

General Advice for Property Investors

As a landlord or property investor you must consider tax liabilities at the various phases of owning and renting a property, from purchasing, letting and on sale.

Recent Articles

• Tax Changes affecting Residential Property11 November, 2019
• Property as an investment21 October, 2019
• Landlords feeling the pinch as tax measures begin to bite8 May, 2019
• Tax on residential property12 September, 2018
• Let us know the value of property owned by your company29 March, 2017
• Tax for Property Investors17 March, 2017

Free Resources

• 
  CGT Planning for Residential Property
  

  In April 2020, three changes may increase the capital gains tax you need to pay when you sell a residential property. Make sure you are aware and take them into account.

• 
  Property as an investment
  

  With low interest rates, property remains attractive.

• 
  Furnished holiday lettings
  

  Your reference to the pros and cons of letting furnished holiday accommodation.

• 
  Cash basis for landlords
  

  A summary of the default basis for unincorporated landlord's accounts

• 
  Family Home Allowance
  

  Not everyone’s a winner with the recently-introduced residence nil-rate band.

For further advice and to arrange a meeting to discuss potential structures and tax planning, please contact us and we will be please to setup a free initial consultation.