Lessons from the World’s most successful investor

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Warren Buffett is widely acknowledged to be the world’s most successful investor. From a standing start he has built up a personal fortune of around £50 billion – and Buffet is well-known for his witty quotes, and his willingness to pass on his knowledge. He is known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha’ and the annual general meeting for his company, Berkshire Hathaway, is a mecca for investors world-wide, seeking pearls of wisdom from the world’s richest investor.

This article looks at Buffett’s most well-known tips and sound-bites, and looks at how these might apply to property investors.
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I’ve made a Property Rental Loss – What can I do with it?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Making a tax loss is fairly typical during the initial ‘portfolio build’ phase of a property investor’s journey. This article considers how losses can be used, and how maximum benefit can be derived from any tax loss.
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Tax-efficient life insurance for property investors who have a company

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Most property investors carry fairly large levels of personal borrowings, given the financial benefits of gearing when investing in property. Having a good amount of life insurance in place to repay borrowings in the event of death is common sense – but, life insurance for ‘private landlords’ is not tax-deductible … making it effectively more expensive.

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay FCA explains how property investors who have a company can get tax relief on their life insurance costs. Continue Reading »

Using rental income to drive long-term wealth

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Property investment is a tried and tested asset class with which to generate long-term wealth – but few investors put in place a business plan and financial budget to achieve their aim. Being financially disciplined, and committing to a long-term plan, can lead to financial security sooner than you think …

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA considers how property investors can become wealthy by investing wisely in residential property. Continue Reading »

The Importance of being early with your tax return

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Autumn is upon us, and for many investors this means turning their attention to their annual property and accounts and tax returns. It’s a job that no-one enjoys dealing with, and human nature to leave to the last minute – but there are huge benefits to completing this property task earlier rather than later.

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay FCA looks at why procrastinating can cause problems. Continue Reading »

How can the April 2015 pension changes help your property business?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

The latest (2014) Budget saw the announcement of a radical liberalisation of the entire concept of pensions as a savings strategy. In short, from April 2015, millions of pension savers aged 55+ will be able to take their entire pension fund in one lump sum, to spend as they wish. There is growing excitement about what this ‘wall of money’ could mean for property investors, in light of the biggest shake-up of pension rules ever seen.

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay FCA looks at how the April 2015 pension changes can help property investors to become more successful, or even to exit on a high.
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Interest rate rises are coming – are you ready?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

The Bank of England & Governor, Mark Carney, has publicly stated his surprise that at markets thinking that interest rate rises are not likely until 2015 – instead stating that 2014 could easily see an interest rate rise. Since interest rates are the major determinant of most landlords’ property profits, preparing for rising interest rates is vital to ensure financial security into the future.

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay FCA looks at how property investors can avoid the irony of becoming tomorrow’s distressed sellers.
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Taxman disallows cost of ‘white goods’ as an allowable expense for unfurnished properties

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Landlords with furnished properties can claim the wear and tear allowance for their properties. Whereas, until 2013, landlords with unfurnished properties can claim a ‘renewals basis’ allowance for ‘moveable items’ such as white goods. However, as of tax year 2014, HMRC have announced that the cost of white goods is no longer a tax deductible expense for unfurnished properties. Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA explains all…
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What name should I give my Property Company – and why does it matter?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Many property investors us a property company – whether they are landlords, developers, agents, or some other service provider. Before a company is set up, it needs a name – so what should you think about when choosing a name for a company?
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What kind of property investor are you? Part 2: Property Investment Company Director

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA

Some landlords own their properties within a limited company – so, they own the company, and the company owns their properties. But why would a person operate in this way, and what are the benefits of doing so?
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