Understanding Capital Gains Tax When Gifting or Inheriting Property

Capital Gains Tax - Property Gifting

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is payable to HMRC on the gain made when disposing of an asset, including property. However, it’s not just sales that are classed as a disposal-gifting a property can also trigger CGT.
In this article, we explore the implications of gifting a property either fully or partially, how it differs from inherited property, and what happens when property is placed into a trust. We also look at Stamp Duty considerations and share a real-life case study involving a family who transferred property between siblings.

Continue reading

Overpaying into a Mortgage – Residential or Buy-to-Let?

Residential vs buy-to-let mortgage overpayments sign on brick houses – comparing overpayment strategies for property investors and homeowners.

When clients ask about overpaying their buy-to-let mortgage, I often challenge them to consider whether overpaying the residential mortgage might be a better financial move.

If you have both types of mortgages, it’s important to look beyond the surface. While reducing any debt is a positive step, I firmly believe that – in most cases – overpaying the residential mortgage should be prioritised. Here’s why.

Continue reading

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common

When purchasing a property jointly in personal names, there are two ways to structure ownership: Joint Tenancy or Tenants in Common. The choice between these options plays a significant role in inheritance, estate planning, and financial arrangements. Understanding the key differences ensures you make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals.

Continue reading

How does a Trust Actually Help Protect the Assets

House protected under glass dome – asset protection and estate planning concept for safeguarding property and inheritance.

A trust is an incredibly useful tool in estate planning, offering numerous benefits-one of the most significant being its ability to protect assets from potential risks. While the idea of a relatively straightforward setup providing such robust protection may seem too good to be true, it’s a proven and effective strategy. In this article, we’ll explore how a trust provides this protection, supported by real-life case studies to help illustrate its impact.

Continue reading