Top 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Accountant

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

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 »

Are You in Control of Your Property Borrowings?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

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.

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A 5 Minute Guide to Tax-Deductible Expenses for Landlords

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

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 »

Fail to Plan Equals Plan to Fail

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

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 »

A Simple Guide to Property Cash Flow Management and Filing Systems

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

All property investors manage their cashflow – some do it well, for others it’s a daily source of pain! Just like any business, managing cashflow well is essential to the long-term survival of a property portfolio.  Continue Reading »

You Can’t Take it With You – Using Trusts to Avoid CGT

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

Some readers may have seen the recent BBC programme called ‘You can’t take it with you’. The programme features a range of scenarios which enabled asset-owners to pass on wealth to loved ones tax-efficiently. For property investors, capital gains tax is often a major issue when passing on assets before death.

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA considers how property investors can use a trust to mitigate CGT on asset transfers.  Continue Reading »

A Property Investor’s Guide to Surviving an Economic Depression

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

Specialist property accountant Stephen Fay ACA considers how property investors can survive if interest rates don’t gradually rise, but rise much more quickly, and even ‘overshoot’ the so-called Bank England ‘neutral rate’ of 5% Continue Reading »

Seven Landlord Tax Mistakes

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

Property investors and landlords are generally subject to a remarkably benign tax regime. With good planning, investors can avoid making tax mistakes that can easily cost a large chunk of their hard-earned profits. Continue Reading »

How Many Properties is Enough?

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

In any business, it pays to think about the size of business you are trying to build. Many property investors build enormous portfolios that leave them teetering on bankruptcy, while other investors are excessively cautious and should have more faith in themselves! Continue Reading »

Building Wealth using Compounding Rental Profits & the Occasional Sale

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

Many property investors want to use property to generate long-term wealth – but few 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 – using compounding rental profits and occasional sales to reduce debt and build equity.

There is a lot of hype around property investment, but the truth is that the average investor is trying to build a moderate-sized portfolio to allow a comfortable and early retirement, and to pass on to family.

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