Tax guides for UK landlords

Income tax, Section 24, allowable expenses, CGT and stamp duty.

Capital allowances for HMO landlords

HMO landlords may be able to claim capital allowances on certain expenditures, reducing their taxable property income. This guide explains how these allowances work, what qualifies, and crucial record-keeping requirement

7 min read

Inheritance tax and rental property

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly impact rental property portfolios upon death. Landlords must understand how their properties are valued for IHT purposes and what reliefs may be available.

7 min read

Joint ownership: splitting rental income and Form 17

Married couples are taxed fifty fifty by default whatever the deeds say. Changing that requires beneficial ownership evidence and a Form 17 election.

4 min read

Making Tax Digital for landlords: what to do now

Quarterly digital reporting replaces the single annual return for landlords above the income threshold. Preparation is mostly about record keeping.

4 min read

Mortgage interest deductions for company landlords

Company landlords can fully deduct mortgage interest and financing costs against property income for Corporation Tax purposes. This differs significantly from individuals who face restrictions.

6 min read

Rent a room relief explained

Rent a Room Relief allows landlords to earn tax-free income from renting out furnished accommodation in their main home. This guide explains the rules for UK landlords.

7 min read

Repairs versus improvements for tax

Repairs are deductible against rental income in the year they are incurred. Improvements are capital and only reduce the gain when you sell. Getting the line right is one of the most common landlord tax questions.

4 min read

Replacement of domestic items relief for landlords

You cannot deduct the cost of furnishing a property for the first time, but you can deduct replacing those items later.

4 min read

Section 24 and higher rate taxpayer landlords

Section 24 restricts the tax relief landlords can claim on residential finance costs, particularly impacting higher rate taxpayers. This guide explains its implications and how to navigate the rules.

4 min read

Section 24 and the mortgage interest restriction

Individual landlords cannot deduct finance costs from rental profit. Instead they receive a basic rate tax reducer, which pushes taxable profit up and can move landlords into a higher tax band.

4 min read

Self assessment deadlines and penalties for landlords

The dates are fixed and the penalties escalate. Knowing the calendar and the payment on account rule avoids most of the cost.

4 min read

Self assessment deadlines for landlords

Landlords must submit their Self Assessment tax returns and pay any tax due by specific deadlines each year to avoid penalties. These dates vary for online versus paper returns.

7 min read

Selling a rental property: a tax checklist

Selling a rental property involves several tax considerations beyond just the sale price. This checklist guides landlords through the key tax implications to ensure compliance and minimise unexpected costs.

7 min read

Stamp duty surcharge on additional properties

Landlords buying additional residential properties in the UK typically pay a higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax. This surcharge applies to second homes, buy-to-let properties, and other investment dwellings.

8 min read

The property income allowance for small landlords

Small rental income can be tax free or simplified by the property allowance, but claiming it blocks expense deductions.

4 min read

Transferring rental property to a spouse

Transferring rental property to a spouse or civil partner can offer tax advantages, primarily for income splitting and Capital Gains Tax. It involves careful consideration of legal ownership and tax implications for both

9 min read

Travel and mileage expenses for landlords

Journeys wholly and exclusively for the property business are deductible. Mixed purpose trips and commuting are not.

4 min read

VAT and residential lettings

Residential property letting in the UK is generally exempt from VAT. However, landlords and letting agents must be aware of specific services and scenarios where VAT may apply.

7 min read

Furnished holiday lettings: recent tax changes explained

Recent tax changes have significantly altered the treatment of Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHLs) in the UK, aligning them more closely with standard residential tenancies. Landlords must review their tax position.

7 min read

Record keeping for self-assessment: what landlords need

HMRC expects landlords to keep records supporting rental income and expenses for at least five years after the filing deadline.

5 min read

Capital gains tax on selling a rental property

When selling a rental property in the UK, landlords typically incur Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any profit made. Calculating the gain, understanding available reliefs, and adhering to strict reporting deadlines are crucia

6 min read

Incorporating a property portfolio: pros and cons

Incorporation can restore full mortgage interest relief and support long-term growth, but transferring properties into a company has real costs and consequences.

6 min read