In real estate, there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Complicated tax laws, rising costs, market uncertainty. Today’s real estate and construction businesses face a number of issues.
Despite having similar challenges, what works for one group won’t for another. This is because there are unique circumstances surrounding each property and business. To reduce risk and stay competitive, you need technical advice that offers solutions tailored to your needs.
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Personalised real estate advice
We provide trusted advice to clients across the full spectrum of commercial and residential construction and real estate. As members of Kreston Global, we’re able to bring a wealth of international expertise to any project.
At each start of any partnership, our team of specialists focus on gaining an in-depth understanding of each client’s technical requirements and challenges. So, whether you need a financial appraisal or help minimising the impact of VAT, Stamp Duty Land Tax and other taxes – our solutions are personalised to your needs.
Tax planning and compliance
Leverage our industry knowledge to make the most financially sound choices. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that you fully comply with local regulations. We provide guidance in the following areas:
- VAT advice
- Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance
- Transactional tax
- Tax planning on property vehicle structuring
- Capital allowance
- Land development
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Stamp Duty Land Tax
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a progressive tax paid when purchasing property in England and Northern Ireland.
The current SDLT threshold is £250,000 for residential properties and £150,000 for non-residential land and properties.
As of April 2016, those purchasing a second home or buy-to-let property pay higher SDLT rates. -
Property Inheritance Tax
In the UK, inheritance tax is charged if the value of the estate exceeds £325,000.
However, you can pass your home onto a spouse or civil partner without the need to pay inheritance tax on the property.
If leaving your property to children or grandchildren, then the tax-free threshold for inheritance can increase to £500,000. -
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax is paid on the profit made from selling an asset that has increased in value, such as second homes and buy-to-let properties.
In the UK, you pay a different capital gains tax on residential property than you do on other assets. The rate you pay also depends on your tax bracket – higher rate taxpayers, for instance, pay 27%.
Solve your most complex real estate and construction challenges
We’d love to discuss how we can tailor our solutions to best meet your needs.
Auditing, accounting and advising on payment schemes
Our clients benefit from best practices and industry-leading insight.
- Tailored auditing services
- Service charge accounting
- Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) advising
- Banking reviews
- Financial appraisals and project assurance
- Cash flow and budgeting
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is an HMRC tax requirement for contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry.
Under CIS, contractors deduct money from subcontractor payments. These deductions are advance payments toward the subcontractor’s tax and National Insurance.
This anti-fraud procedure is designed to tackle prevalent fraud in the construction sector.
Under Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) rules, the customer is liable to pay the VAT to HMRC, and not the supplier.
Loan to Value (LTV) measures how much money you’re borrowing compared to the total value of a property.
So, if you borrow £90,000 to buy a home worth £100,000, the LTV is 90%.
Most lenders price their mortgages according to LTV bands. So, the lower your LTV, the less interest you’ll likely be charged.
Guiding overseas ownership of UK property
Our on-the-ground specialists help cut through the red tape, ensuring fast and compliant ownership of UK real estate assets. As a part of Kreston Global, we offer worldwide support to help you balance UK property ownership with local tax and compliance concerns.
Build to Rent
Build to Rent (BTR) is a fast-growing investment sector that describes properties developed specifically for house renters.
UK Government guidelines suggest that BTR developments have 20% of their site designated for affordable housing.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Historically a resilient sector, successful investing in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) requires providing amenities that students value.
This is a lucrative opportunity for investors able to identify and offer the right mix of amenities.
Real estate and construction advisory
Our broad range of expertise enables us to provide advice across real estate, including social housing, land and property development, construction, property investing and more. We know the right questions to ask, guaranteeing assurance on real estate investments.
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Option to tax land and buildings
Looking to charge VAT on the sale or rental of commercial property? If you meet the right conditions, HMRC gives you the option to tax land and buildings.
Introducing these charges can involve submitting the right tax form or getting special permission from HMRC. -
The golden brick
Did you know that the sale of a new dwelling is zero-rated? so, no VAT is charged on the sale. According to HMRC, a partially completed dwelling is defined as having at least one brick above foundation level - this is often called the "golden brick".
Golden brick properties can often be sold without incurring VAT.
How we're supporting real estate clients
Meet our real estate team
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Global reach
We give you global reach through our membership of Kreston Global.
Kreston Global is an international advisory and accountancy network whose focus is helping clients to be successful in every country or market they choose to operate in. Whether your goal is to expand overseas, you’re a multinational looking for an alternative service provider across multiple territories, or a private individual with investments and assets overseas, we can help.
Kreston members reach across 120 countries so wherever in the world your ambition takes you, we can help you get there.
Our purpose, our passion
To guide our clients, colleagues and communities to a brighter future.
In a continually evolving world we help all generations embrace change through trusted advice, support and guidance. Our passion for continued improvement ensures that we work to understand your goals, support and advise you on your journey and help you to realise your ambitions.