The property and construction industry is one of the UK’s largest and most complex sectors. It requires particular insight, expertise and experience to navigate through the constantly evolving regulatory landscape.
Designed to help you succeed
At Price Bailey, our property industry experts are committed to becoming your trusted partners, offering an unrivalled range of services to businesses and individuals in the UK’s property and construction sector. With extensive experience in the sector, we leverage expertise from across the firm to meet your specific needs.
Our success is built on fostering strong relationships, and the trust our clients place in us as their advisors. We take the time to understand your business, how it operates, and your unique priorities.
For companies requiring statutory annual accounts, we assign a dedicated engagement partner and manager to oversee the services delivered throughout the year, and will directly oversee the year-end work.
Our Tax team collaborates closely with the audit and accounts team, ensuring a seamless service that starts with requesting necessary information early in the process. For more complex matters, such as transactional advice or international tax planning, we offer access to a specialist team of tax advisers.
Sector developments and updates
We’ll provide you with guidance on industry best practices and ensure you’re always informed of key changes.
Our online Insights Page is filled with relevant information for your business and sector. Additionally, we produce reports, newsletters and issue email alerts, as well as being in regular contact with you when significant developments arise that may impact your business.
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We provide a holistic service to clients at every stage of their business journey
Our in-house expertise means we can provide advice on a wide range of areas and help you face challenges as they arise, providing innovating solutions that are appropriate for the task at hand.
We can support you with:
- the preparation of annual statutory financial statements
- the preparation of Corporation Tax returns and computations
- specialist tax advice, including Capital Allowances
- VAT, SDLT, and ATED advice
- International tax planning
- IHT planning and the creation of Trusts
- external, internal and group audits
- risk reviews
- fund structuring and capital raising
- business structuring advice
- mergers and acquisitions
- due diligence and transactional support
- Service Charge Reporting
- property disposals, including demergers
How Price Bailey can help
What sets us apart is the depth of our expertise within the property and construction sector. Our clients appreciate our ability to navigate complex challenges, ensuring they receive insightful and timely guidance that helps to drive their success in a competitive market.”
Lewis Ratcliffe, Business team Partner
Contact us today for a free initial call
With over 75 years of combined experience, our property experts deliver trusted advice on complex property matters. Our unique depth of expertise across the firm means we can offer a one-stop shop for all your property needs. Working closely with industry partners, we provide efficient, effective solutions tailored to you.
Our approach to ‘client contact time’ enables us to work in partnership with you, and means we are always available to give guidance and proactive support throughout the year.
We can help
Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you
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What FAQs do our experts receive?
What should I consider when purchasing property as non-UK resident?
Understanding the purpose and future plans will be key to help with the structure for purchasing a property. The general tax implications of doing so include a surcharge for stamp duty of 2% above the usual rates. There is also a 3% ‘additional property surcharge’ to consider, and it is possible for both surcharges to apply at the same time – potentially increasing each band of SDLT by 5%. You can read more about this in our ‘Stamp Duty Land Tax and the 3% ‘additional property’ surcharge explained’ article.
The Non-Resident Landlord scheme may also apply and impact the rents you receive. Read more about this in our ‘What all landlords need to know about the Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) scheme’.
What is the most effective way for structuring a property?
This is completely dependent on your objectives. The most common options for structuring property portfolios include holding property as an individual, within a partnership, or as a Company.
How much SDLT will I need to pay?
The amount of SDLT you owe depends on the property’s value and its use (residential or non-residential). SDLT is calculated on a tiered basis, meaning you pay different rates for different portions of the property price.
SDLT Rates for Residential Properties (as of 2024)
- Up to £250,000: 0%
- £250,001 to £925,000: 5%
- £925,001 to £1.5 million: 10%
- Above £1.5 million: 12%
Example: Buying a house for £600,000
A worked example for the SDLT due on a residential property purchased for £600,000.
- First £250,000: 0% SDLT = £0
- Next £350,000 (i.e. £600,000 – £250,000): 5% SDLT on £350,000 = £17,500
So, the total SDLT payable on a £600,000 property would be £17,500.
If you’re buying a second home or a buy-to-let property, you’ll need to pay an additional 3% on each tier of SDLT.
Do I have to pay a surcharge on a second home?
Yes, if you’re purchasing a second home or a buy-to-let property in England or Northern Ireland, you will have to pay an additional surcharge on top of the standard Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates. This surcharge is 3% on top of the usual SDLT rates for each price band of the property.
Example: Buying a second home for £400,000
The standard SDLT on a £400,000 residential property would be calculated as follows:
- First £250,000: 0% SDLT = £0
- Next £150,000 (i.e., £400,000 – £250,000): 5% SDLT = £7,500
Total SDLT = £7,500
Now, for a second home, a 3% surcharge is applied to each band:
- First £250,000: 3% surcharge = £7,500
- Next £150,000: 3% surcharge = £4,500
Surcharge = £7,500 + £4,500 = £12,000
So, the total SDLT for a second home priced at £400,000 would be £7,500 (standard SDLT) + £12,000 (surcharge) = £19,500.
What should I consider if I wish to gift a property?
When gifting a property, you should consider the potential tax implications, including Capital Gains Tax (CGT) if it’s not your main residence and Inheritance Tax (IHT) if you pass away within seven years. While Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) usually doesn’t apply, it could if there’s an outstanding mortgage. You’ll also need legal advice to ensure the proper transfer of ownership and should be aware of how the gift could affect your eligibility for certain benefits.
You can read more about IHT considerations in our IHT FAQs.
Is there a VAT charge to consider on purchasing a commercial property?
Yes, there may be a VAT charge when purchasing a commercial property. Generally, commercial property transactions are exempt from VAT, but if the seller has opted to tax the property, VAT at the standard rate of 20% will apply to the purchase price. In some cases, you may be able to recover this VAT if you’re VAT-registered and the property is used for taxable business purposes. Additionally, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is calculated on the VAT-inclusive price, which could increase the overall SDLT liability.
You can read more in our VAT on commercial property guide.