When it comes to properties, mortgages, and taxes, even a small mistake can have serious consequences. A recent high-profile example was the resignation of Angela Rayner, the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, after an error with her own stamp duty bill.
Had she taken specialist tax advice at the right time, the story might have been very different. This is exactly why at Nachu Finance, we believe in seeking specialist opinion whenever circumstances move beyond the standard and straightforward.
Many clients assume their solicitor will advise on stamp duty as part of the conveyancing process. In reality, most solicitors limit their role to collecting the duty from the buyer and paying it across to HMRC. They are careful to make clear that they are not responsible for advising whether the amount is correct.
In standard transactions — for example, a first-time buyer purchase or a simple home mover case — this may be enough. The calculation is straightforward and unlikely to be challenged. But when circumstances are complex, with multiple properties, transfers of equity, or limited company structures involved, the risk of error rises significantly. In those situations, we always recommend clients seek specialist tax advice.
The timing of when you seek a specialist opinion can make all the difference. If stamp duty, capital gains, or ownership structure issues are only uncovered just before completion, it may be too late to change course. By then, costs may already have been incurred and options closed off.
At Nachu Finance, we encourage clients to obtain specialist advice upfront and as early as possible, so that decisions are made with clarity and proper planning. This avoids nasty surprises and helps ensure that transactions complete smoothly.
Specialist advice can feel expensive in the moment, and clients sometimes question whether the fee is justified. But as Angela Rayners’ case highlights, the consequences of getting it wrong can cost far more — financially, legally, and reputationally.
At Nachu Finance, we have referred clients to specialist advisers on more than one occasion. Each time, the client walked away with clarity and peace of mind.
Other areas where specialist advice is often required include:
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in complex ownership or multiple property cases
- Capital Gains Tax on investment property disposals
- Inheritance Tax planning and use of Trusts
- Planning permission and building regulations (architects, surveyors, or planning consultants)
- Legal structuring (complex ownership or corporate setups)
Our philosophy is clear: it’s far better to identify these issues upfront than discover them at the last moment, when options are limited, costs are sunk, and stress levels are high.
The Suresh family (name changed for confidentiality) jointly owned a property between a brother and sister. The sister wanted to move out, so the plan was to transfer her 50% share to the brother through a transfer of equity, supported by a remortgage.
Three separate solicitors all advised that an additional 5% stamp duty would apply, making the transaction financially unviable. The family were understandably concerned.
We recommended that they consult a specialist tax adviser. After a full review of their circumstances, the adviser provided a detailed written opinion, quoting relevant legislation and case law, confirming that the additional 5% stamp duty did not apply.
Armed with this report, the solicitors amended the completion statement and the remortgage proceeded smoothly. Without that specialist opinion, the family would either have abandoned their plan or paid unnecessary tax running into tens of thousands of pounds.
Toby and Ella (names changed) were in the process of purchasing a new home. As part of the legal checks, their solicitor raised a concern that the transaction might attract the higher rate of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
The solicitor’s reasoning was that while Toby was disposing of his main residence, Ella also owned a property overseas. Since she was not a co-vendor in the sale of Toby’s property, the solicitor believed she would still technically own another property and therefore the higher rate could apply.
This came as an unwelcome surprise, as the difference between standard and higher rate SDLT was significant. The solicitor themselves noted they were not SDLT specialists and recommended seeking independent tax advice.
At our recommendation, the couple consulted a specialist SDLT adviser. After a full review, the adviser provided a detailed written opinion confirming that the higher rate did not apply. The advice explained the legal basis for treating the purchase at standard rates, and provided clear reasoning that satisfied the solicitor’s requirements.
The solicitor accepted this specialist advice, updated the SDLT return accordingly, and the purchase proceeded without the additional tax burden.
Despite the solicitor’s cautious position — and even providing calculations at the higher rate — the independent SDLT specialist was able to demonstrate that the clients were eligible for the standard rate. Without that opinion, Toby and Ella could easily have overpaid SDLT by thousands of pounds.
- Buying or selling when multiple properties are involved
- Transactions using limited companies or corporate structures
- When a property trust forms part of the arrangement
- Transfers of equity with tax or ownership implications
- Unusual family arrangements or complex ownership patterns
- Any situation where you’ve received conflicting opinions or the rules don’t feel straightforward
In these cases, a specialist opinion can provide clarity, protect you from costly mistakes, and give you peace of mind.
- Straightforward first-time buyer purchases
- Simple home mover cases where only one property is being replaced
- Standard transactions with no additional ownership, trusts, or unusual structures
For these more routine cases, solicitors can usually calculate and collect the correct stamp duty without the need for specialist input.
You can, but online research is often too general and may not reflect your exact circumstances. Every case is unique. More importantly, when there is a query or challenge later, self-research won’t give you the written evidence or professional backing you need to defend your position. A specialist’s report provides that reassurance.
A specialist is usually needed when there are multiple factors at play and your case isn’t straightforward. If something doesn’t feel right, if your circumstances are unusual, or if you’ve received conflicting opinions, it’s always safer to seek specialist advice for added clarity and peace of mind.
No. We are happy to introduce you to specialists we know and have worked with, but there is no obligation. You are free to choose any adviser you prefer. What matters most to us is that you receive the right advice and peace of mind.
We are advisers first and foremost. That means our responsibility isn’t just to find you a mortgage or insurance product but to help you avoid pitfalls along the way. Where we see that specialist opinion is required, we don’t hesitate to recommend it. Our aim is simple: to give you peace of mind that every angle has been covered and every decision is backed by the right expertise.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Specialist advice is not a cost; it’s an investment in certainty and peace of mind. At Nachu Finance, we believe in addressing potential challenges upfront, not at the last minute.
If you’re planning a property transaction and are unsure whether specialist input is required, we’ll be glad to help. We’ll review your circumstances, highlight any potential risks, and, where appropriate, connect you with the right experts so you can move forward with confidence.
Get in touch with us today and take your first step towards a smoother, safer financial journey.
