Property Articles
First Published: February 2012 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
The Bank of England base rate has now been at 0.5% for around three years, and many property investors are reaching the end of any rental losses they may have built up. This often means that profits are taxed at 40% as rental profits are added to any other income.
So, it’s vital that investors look at options to avoid this exposure – and appreciate that using a company can help to ‘shield’ profits from Higher Rate income tax. Continue Reading »
First Published: January 2012 | Available in: Property Articles Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
In last month’s article, we covered how operating a company and having that company manage or lease your personallyheld properties, can enable rental profits to be legitimately diverted to the company. This can halve the rate of tax paid on rental profits.
The next question is – how can a Higher Rate taxpayer use the company’s funds without incurring significant additional tax charges? Continue Reading »
First Published: December 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
The standard of rental property these days is much higher than has historically been the case. To stay ahead of the game, many investors are refurbishing their property, often before the first let, to a high standard, and so refurbishment costs are often big money. So, it’s vital that investors appreciate the tax consequences of their refurbishment spending, so that they factor this into their financial plans. This article looks at how refurbishment costs are treated for tax purposes. Continue Reading »
First Published: November 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
Many property investors have heard of ‘Principal Private Residence’ tax relief when selling a property–this is the relief that ensures that no capital gains tax is payable on the sale of a private home (residence). PPR is a key tax relief that investors should look to claim wherever possible, as tax bills on the sale of an investment property can be reduced hugely, or even eliminated altogether, using PPR relief.
This article looks at how PPR relief works, and provides details of recent test cases, and tax-planning tips for investors to consider. Continue Reading »
First Published: September 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
Pound Cost Averaging…with Property!
Once interest rates return to normal levels, some investors will find themselves with an unsustainable negative-cashflow portfolio. While it is tempting to start repaying mortgages, another strategy to ensure long-term survival is to buy MORE income-generating property at today’s lower prices.
Buying assets continuously through the peaks and troughs of the market cycle is known as ‘pound cost averaging’ (the phrase is adapted from the US term dollar cost averaging) – this article explains how this strategy can protect a portfolio. Continue Reading »
First Published: September 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
The vast majority of investors use debt to finance their properties and so get a better return on their own cash invested. This means that, for most investors, their most significant property cost is the interest on their borrowings. With portfolio investors often having mortgages and other borrowings with different banks, on different terms and rates, understanding their debt position and interest rate exposure is vital. Continue Reading »
First Published: August 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
Serious property investors should have a good accountant on their team, to minimise tax liabilities, produce accounts that help with funding and portfolio growth, and act as a trusted professional adviser. But what should property investors and landlords look for when choosing an accountant?
Clearly, it makes sense to ask the right questions when appointing any ‘supplier’ to your property business. Accountants come in all shapes and sizes, specialise in different areas, may or may not be qualified, be a people-person or a bookworm – this article covers the top 10 questions that landlords should ask to select the right accountant for them. Continue Reading »
First Published: July 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
For most investors, their most significant property expense is the cost of their borrowings. But with portfolio investors often having mortgages and other borrowings with different banks, on different terms and rates, gaining a full understanding of the overall debt profile can be challenging.
In the current era of ultra-low interest rates, many investors have benefitted from a massive reduction in finance interest. While this is obviously welcome, many have now spent much of these ‘windfall profits’ on shoring up their cash reserves and refurbishing properties.
However, as all good things must come to an end, wise investors are analysing their property debt profile to ensure they are able to prosper at ‘normal’ interest rates. This article looks at how investors can get a better understanding of their property borrowings and the impact of higher interest rates on their property portfolio.
Continue Reading »
First Published: June 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
One of the most common questions asked by clients with investment property is ‘what costs can be claimed against income tax on property rental profits?’
Clearly, it makes sense to ensure that every possible expense and allowance is claimed before calculating the income tax to be paid on rental profits – as this has a direct impact on the amount of tax figure payable. Continue Reading »
First Published: May 2011 | Available in: Property Articles Property Investor News Your Property Network
By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA
Starting and growing any business requires careful planning – it’s all too easy to focus on the ‘here and now’, and not consider the bigger picture. Successful, sound businesses have clear business objectives, a clear strategy, & regularly assess performance against budget. Continue Reading »