Buy-to-let tax changes for landlords and property investors

May 10, 2016
Stephen is one of the firm’s tax partners. He specialises in income tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax, inheritance tax, and stamp duty land tax. He also specialises in advising property and construction businesses.
buy-to-let tax changes

Are you aware of the recent buy-to-let tax changes?

The UK property market, whilst cyclical, has proved over the long-term to be a very successful investment. This has resulted in a massive expansion in the sector and investments in buy-to-let properties have been and continue to be a very popular form of investment by many people.

However, the gross return from buy-to-let properties i.e. the rent received less costs such as letting fees, maintenance, service charges and insurance is no longer as attractive as it once was. There have been some significant buy-to-let tax changes for the sector, with the government introducing some very restrictive measures in the 2015 Summer Budget, 2015 Autumn Statement and, most recently, in the 2016 Budget.

We have spoken about the changes in detail before, but this article is a worthwhile reminder of the significant changes and what they may mean for landlords and property investors.

The headline buy-to-let tax changes

  1. Tax relief on interest payments to be restricted to the basic rate of tax (i.e. 20%) by 2020;
  2. The Wear & Tear Allowance was abolished from April 2016;
  3. A Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge of 3% will generally be charged on buy-to-lets from April 2016;
  4. Residential properties are exempted from the 2016 Budget Capital Gains Tax cuts, and;
  5. Accelerated capital gains payable on disposals of certain properties.

It is clear that the Chancellor is trying to use the tax system to clampdown on the number of buy-to-lets in the UK.

Of the buy-to-let tax changes mentioned above, the changes to loan interest relief and the new stamp duty surcharge will likely hit landlords the hardest. The exemption from the more recent capital gains cuts which will, in effect, leave landlords paying an 8% surcharge is also an unwelcome measure for the sector.

The impact for buy-to-let landlords with several properties could be huge and could significantly increase tax bills.

It is therefore not surprising that the buy-to-let sector is becoming an increasingly detailed and complicated area for tax purposes and anyone thinking of investing in the sector, expanding their existing portfolio or selling a property following the changes must think very carefully about their tax position.

How we can help you

Whilst some generalisations can be made about the tax position of your buy-to-let properties, it is always necessary to tailor any advice to your personal situation. Any plan must take into account your circumstances and aspirations.

There are a number of things that you may be considering following the buy-to-let tax changes, such as reducing borrowings, purchasing property through a company, transferring property, selling property, incorporating, postponing refurbishments and repairs.

These are areas we have a great deal of experience in and, whilst a successful buy-to-let cannot be guaranteed, professional advice can help to sort out some of the potential problems and structure the investment correctly.

The full effect of the significant buy-to-let tax changes covered in this briefing could be devastating for landlords. The changes, however, will likely have less of an impact for those effected who make sound and proactive plans to adapt.

More from our property experts

You can find all of our latest property and construction sector news here.

If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.

Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.

Stephen Charles partner

Stephen Charles is a tax partner at the firm, specialising in corporate and business taxation. For more details and advice, please contact Stephen on sac@hawsons.co.uk or 0114 266 7141.[/author_info]