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.

Continue Reading »

How to Present your Property Business in the Best Possible Light to Commercial Lenders

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

With lending criteria from ‘High Street’ Buy-To-Let lenders tightening, the lending environment is becoming much tougher for property investors. Many property investors with good portfolios are now looking at commercial finance – rates and fees are often better, and lending criteria no worse than BTL lenders – but, information requirements are more stringent. Continue Reading »

You and Your Property

By specialist property accountant Stephen Fay

Many property investors are keen to expand their portfolio and so are naturally focussed on the acquisition side of property investing. But, much of an investor’s long-term success, or otherwise, will depend on how they manage their new property, mortgage, and tenant. Continue Reading »