Friend & Grant Chartered Accountants have been helping small and medium sized businesses in the Medway towns and North Kent for over 20 years
Our July 2026 newsletter with updates including: Parliament Housing Committee: Reform SDLT to help first-time buyers, Will the government deliver its promised 1.5 million new homes? And finally how the Iran conflict could affect mortgage rates.
Property news for June 2026 including - The Renters Rights act - what landlords need to know, and ways to protect yourself as a landlord. How the Renters’ Rights Act affects SDLT and will holiday lets remain popular following implementation of the act?
Inheritance Tax Planning can be an intricate process and there really is no one size fits all. We take a look at the use of trusts and family investment companies as part of your strategy.
Property often represents a large portion of a family estate. We take a look at strategies available to reduce Inheritance Tax on the family home and rental properties.
Property companies don't always turn a profit. We explore what you can and can't do when it comes to using losses to reduce your tax bill and the intricate rules around this.
Property updates for April 2026 including the long awaited arrival of MTD, the discrimination rules for landlords to consider in the renters rights act, the outlook for buy-to-let mortgages in 2026, and potential new towns in the UK.
In our March 2026 Property Sector update we take a look at the Spring update, MTD, New rules on building products, the rise of the older buyer and more on renters rights.
We take a look at MTD for income tax and what this means for landlords, The renters rights act due for publication in May and expectations for the mortgage market.
January 2026 updates in the property sector including delays to the implementation of the leasehold & freehold act, VAT on flat maintenance, the High Value council tax surcharge, visitor levy in the UK and victory for campaigners in Gwynedd.
Property updates for December 2025 following the Autumn Budget announcement. We take a look at the income tax changes including MTD along with Mansion and Tourism Tax and the Renters Rights act implementation plan.
If you are a property trader purchasing a probate property, you could be eligible for SDLT relief. We take a look at the qualifying conditions and what you need to do to reclaim the SDLT.
Our December 2025 newsletter with all the updates from the Autumn Budget Announcement. We take a look at the tax implications for both businesses and individuals.
Articles for November 2025 including Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law and MTD for Income Tax: Guidance for digitally excluded individuals.
Articles for October 2025 including: Renters Rights Bill: an update and Autumn Budget 2025 – how could it affect landlords?
Top tips for landlords to protect property, select tenants, manage taxes, and maximise rental income, read on for practical advice.
Articles including: Advantages & Disadvantages of holding property in a limited company, expected council tax rises, the outcome from the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee meeting in July and Scottish Housing tax changes.
Principal Private Residence (PPR) relief protects homeowners from Capital Gains Tax when selling their main home — but it isn’t always guaranteed. The Eyre v HMRC case shows how easily claims can be challenged. Discover what counts as genuine occupation, when HMRC may intervene, and how to protect yourself.
The term “new build” might sound straightforward, but for HMRC, lenders, and insurers, it can mean very different things. Get it wrong, and you could face unexpected VAT bills, higher insurance premiums, or even problems securing finance when it comes time to refinance or sell.
Articles for August 2025 including: Will interest rates drop again? House prices drop significantly in July
Articles for July 2025 including: MTD for Income Tax: It’s just around the corner! property business or a second home? Scotland: Continued Progress on Housing Bill
Property updates for June 2025 including spotlight 69, council tax on second homes, AI and landlord decision making, Possible exemptions from rent controls in Scotland and the renters rights bill 2025.
Discover 4 smart ways to structure and future-proof your property portfolio, from incorporation and Family Investment Companies to using pensions and group structures. Advice for landlords and property investors.
Our May 2025 Newsletter including the following articles : MTD for Income Tax - FAQs, Changes To The Taxation Of Non-UK Domiciled Individuals, Holiday Lettings And Property and VAT: ‘Food’ or ‘Confectionery’?
Articles for May 2025 including: Furnished Holiday Lets: A New Era, Number of buy-to-let companies steadily growing and Scotland: Housing Bill Amendments Lodged
Articles including, the Commonhold White Paper, the renters rights bill completes house of commons, the introduction of the planning & infrastructure Bill, and finally councils in Northern Ireland are set to take over Landlord Registration Scheme
The BRR (Buy, Refurbish, Refinance) strategy is a powerful way to build a scalable property portfolio, but success depends on smart planning and tax efficiency. The right accountant can help you structure deals, track costs, and maximise returns. Here’s how expert financial support can make your investments more profitable and sustainable.
Articles for March 2025 including: Are You Trading? ATED Advisory Fuel Rates For Company Cars
Articles for March 2025 including: Major new plans to modernise home buying Sonder Europe: An Update Scotland: Edinburgh tourist tax
We explore the pros and cons of leaving your property development portfolio to your family and developing a tax efficient strategy for passing on family wealth.
Articles for February 2025 including: There’s Still Time For Some Year End Tax Planning and Avoid Any Double Cab ‘Hiccups’!
Articles for February 2025 including: Renters’ Rights Bill continues to progress and The Outlook for Mortgages
Articles for January 2025 including: MTD for Income Tax, House prices hit record high and Scotland & Wales Budgets
Efficient tax strategies in your journey as a property developer takes careful consideration and with the right planning can be the difference in a good profit to a great one. See our top 5 Tax Strategies for property developers.
VAT significantly impacts property development and investment, affecting costs, tax recovery, and compliance. Understanding VAT rules for residential, commercial, and holiday properties is essential for avoiding costly mistakes and maximising benefits. This guide offers practical insights and key strategies to help developers and landlords confidently navigate VAT complexities in their projects.
Articles for December 2024 including: Check Your State Pension Entitlement and Remember Christmas Gifts Of Up To £50 Per Employee Are Tax Free
Articles for December 2024 including: FHLs abolition - Clarification and more protections announced for leaseholders
Articles for November2024 including: Autumn Budget 2024 – a summary for property landlords and Renters Rights Bill 2024 – an update
Articles for Autumn Budget 2024 including Capital Gains Tax and National Minimum Wage (NMW) And Employers National Insurance
Articles for October 2024 including: Renters Rights Bill and Wales: controls on second homes and holiday lets
Articles for September 2024 including: Interest Rate Cut to 5% - impact on mortgages Stamp Duty Land Tax: Incorporation Pitfalls The Housing Scotland Bill
Our August 2024 update including the confirmation that FHL's will be abolished, The Kings speech and what's in store for property landlords, Stamp Duty rises in England and Northern Ireland from 2025 for first time buyers, Gwynedd issues first Article 4 and homes in Scotland becoming less affordable.
Everyone knows that you can invest your pension in various stocks and shares, however you can also invest it in commercial property! Whether that be your company premises, an industrial unit, a pub or a shop, there are some very valuable tax reliefs to be had.
The latest updates for the property market for April 2024 including the Key measures for landlords from the budget, Housing Cladding Remediation in Scotland and the housing market forecast for Wales.
Thinking of purchasing a commercial property? Planning ahead offers the potential opportunity for huge tax savings! We share 5 top tips to consider when purchasing a commercial property.
Updates for the property sector in March 2024 including new rules proposed for short term lets in England, and higher costs leading to mortgage rate increases, Rent increases from April 2024 in Scotland and the new zero carbon development in Wales.
Overall summary of the budget which includes a Capital gains Tax Reduction, Changes to domicile and residency and more...
We look at the latest tax updates for December 2023 including the effect of variable mortgage rates on profits for landlords.
Yesterday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his second Autumn Statement, but with a very different tone to the gloomy announcements made this time last year. The Chancellor announced initiatives with a massive focus on pushing growth in the economy. The main question you’ll all no doubt have is… “how does it affect me?”, let’s take a look…
We share the latest updates in the property sector including: Expected house price falls in 2024, Britain’s best locations for student landlords, Charities concerns over delays to Renters Reform Bill, Agreement between Wales and Cornwall, Scotland: More Council Tax for large homes
With demand for rental property being at an all time high we explore considerations if you are thinking of getting into property investment and how to ensure you are compliant from the offset of your journey as a property investor.
Trusts are often overlooked by many as being too complicated or something only for the rich, whilst the former may be partially true the latter definitely is not. With proper professional advice the benefits of trusts can be demystified, and both the tax and practical benefits realised.
Property updates for October 2023 including - Record numbers of landlords making next purchase via Ltd companies, rocketing rent predictions, Possible rent controls increasing rent in Scotland and Proposed planning permission required for second homes in Wales.
Property updates for August 2023 including house price affordability, more on the renters reform bill, plans around holiday lets licencing in Wales and the potential housing emergency in Scotland.
Updates for August 2023 including, Additional information required for R&D, making the most of tax free childcare over the summer, Staff events including BBQ's, Abolishment of inheritance tax rumours and the effects of the base rate on HMRC interest rates.
We take a look at the ins and outs of VAT in the property & construction world with examples and tips to help you maximise your reclaims, steer clear or unexpected bills and make your property ventures a breeze.
The latest updates for the property sector including the concerns around the renters reform bill, HMRC cracking down on Airbnb hosts, Adequate housing in wales and the rent cap and eviction freeze in Scotland
Protection insurance is key to protecting your future. Are you aware of the options available to you and are you certain there are no loopholes of gaps in your cover? We explore the differences between Life Cover, Critical illness cover and income protection and the benefits of seeking guidance from an independent financial advisor can help you to ensure you have sufficient cover.
As a property investor, ensuring you have your property tax affairs structured in the most tax efficient way is vital. Ill-thought-out structuring and negligent planning can be very costly down the line. We recognise that everyone has unique situations and goals when it comes to their property affairs, so we’ve decided to take a 360 all-inclusive approach to tax planning to help you realise your goals.
If your business falls within the realm of property consultancy, property/land sourcing, property finding, estate agency, or similar activities, registration for Anti-money laundering supervision will be necessary, we explore the responsibilities and consequences for non compliance.
The latest updates for landlords and property investors including regulation for short-term lets, risks around lead generation services, calls for a renters charter and retiring landlords fuelling the rental property crisis.
Registering for VAT isn’t always a black & white option, here we go through scenarios where VAT registration may or may not be beneficial to your business.
Finding any sort of contamination on your property can easily burn a hole in your pocket, but this valuable tax relief may help you recover some of your money!
Property investors are often keen to understand the options for structuring their portfolio. Is a limited company the best option? We look at some of the advantages of using a limited company or a special purpose vehicle for your investment portfolio.
Our monthly property update for April 2023. Our articles this month include the MEES regulations which could mean costly upgrades!
House prices slump The most recent Nationwide House Price Index report shows that in January 2023, annual house price growth slowed to 1.1%, down from 2.8% in December 2022. House prices have fallen for five months in a row, with January seeing a monthly fall of 0.6%. This leaves prices at 3.2% lower than their...
Keep reading to find out what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s “Back to Work” Budget means for you. Is 2023 a year of opportunity?
In this blog, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both leasehold and commonhold flats so that you can make an informed decision for your property.
Making tax digital was scheduled to start in April 2024 for businesses, self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £10,000. That has now been delayed and the income threshold raised.
Autumn statement was delivered by the Chancellor on 17 November. Read our expert analysis aimed at owner managed business owners and high net worth individuals.
Property investors often fail to realise that they have a duty to register under CIS if they carry out certain activities. Failure to register could be costly as it is likely to result in significant penalties being levied for non-compliance.
What do you do if your subcontractor or professional disagrees with your treatment of their income under CIS? You have basically three actions you can take.
If you carry out any sort of building works on a property and engage labour you have to be wary of the rules under the construction industry scheme where tax has to be potentially stopped on the labour element of the service provided. Professionals are often consider exempt from CIS- but is this right? The answer unsurprisingly is not always!
For many people building their perfect home is just a dream. However over recent years we are seeing more and more cases of individuals looking to do just that. To ensure that individuals enjoy the same VAT advantages as professional builders check out the DIY Housebuilders Scheme.
Whether you’re a property investor looking to add to your portfolio or an individual acquiring your next home, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be a costly and burdensome chunk of cash to find. Your conveyancer will often deal with the calculation and submission of the SDLT Return and you as a purchaser will see this cost on your completion statement. SDLT is often begrudgingly accepted as a necessary cost to purchase and it is rarely questioned, but could you potentially be missing out on the valuable SDLT Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR)?
During our more than 30 years trading as Chartered Accountants and Business and Tax advisers we have frequently been asked whether we could provide financial advice of one sort or another. Previously the response has been no, but we built up a strong network of third-party financial advisors who have helped our clients with all kinds of financial advice such as investments, pensions, protection and mortgages. In recent times, however, we have seen the number of independent financial advisors (financial advisors who go to the whole market rather than a few selected providers) decline and we now find that most financial advisors are tied.
Residential rental income is an exempt supply for VAT purposes, and so as a rule VAT cannot be charged on this income or reclaimed on related expenses. However, if you’re in a situation where you’re a landlord, but also run a VAT registered business making taxable supplies as a self-employed individual, then there may be a way you can reclaim VAT on your rental expenses too through your VAT Returns.
Higher rate tax payer? Looking to build wealth? Thought about creating your own property investment company? Pros and cons.
Property has been a popular investment for many years and some people view their property portfolio as their retirement pot, particularly where their conventional pension is unlikely to produce sufficient income for their lifestyle. Buy to lets, commercial property investment and furnished holiday lets are all popular, but recently they have been joined by a ‘new kid on the block’ the serviced accommodation and this sector is growing substantially.
In a recent blog we looked at using a company to hold property investments, however an alternative (and sometimes overlooked) vehicle for ownership of all family investments, property or otherwise, is through a trust structure.
With energy costs going through the roof it could make sense to make small eco-friendly improvements to your property which can reduce running costs and also add value to your property.
From 6 April 2020 disposals of residential property by UK taxpayers that give rise to a UK tax liability need to be reported to HMRC on a special capital gains tax (CGT) return. Usually this will be dealt with through an electronic submission but in some circumstances a paper form can be used.
Our client bank consists of many different types of property owner: those that buy property as a place to live, those that buy for investment purposes, those that through circumstances become accidental landlords, those that choose to make a living through buying, developing and selling property. What they all have in common is that at some stage they will contemplate selling their property and at that stage they will usually start to consider the tax implications.
Becoming a landlord, particularly if you are planning to manage the letting yourself, can be daunting. The legalities are complex, finding the right tenants is not easy, things do go wrong and it is easy to underestimate how much time you’ll need to spend on one property let alone a portfolio!
Owning your own property is part of the culture in the UK with over 65.1% of houses owned by the households in 2019. Surprisingly, whilst we are ahead of countries like Germany and France, most European countries have extremely high levels of ownership (Italy 72.3%, Greece 75.4%, Poland 84.2%). So why the disparity? In simple terms the reason is the property rental market. In 2020 the share of households occupied by private renters hit 18.7%, so around 4.44 million households were privately rented in England in 2020.
When your loved ones are seriously ill understandably the last thing you want to think about is anything to do with finances. However it is worthwhile knowing that in cases where a spouse or civil partner is terminally ill there could be an opportunity to save large amounts of tax by passing property in a tax efficient manner.
When your loved ones are seriously ill understandably the last thing you want to think about is anything to do with finances. However it is worthwhile knowing that in cases where a spouse or civil partner is terminally ill there could be an opportunity to save large amounts of tax by passing property in a tax efficient manner.
There are many potential pitfalls for the unwary property developer and key amongst them is tax. We have outlined 10 of the most common tax pitfalls or missed opportunities we have come across.
This is the second in a two part series of blogs on wealth creation. In the first blog I looked at how wealth is perceived in society and how you can measure your own wealth. In this blog I will share with you my top ten tips on how to create and maintain your own wealth.
This is the first of a two part series of blogs on the topic of wealth creation. In this first blog I will be looking at how wealth is perceived in society and how you can measure your own wealth.
Are you hungry for success? If you run a small to medium size business and you want to grow your sales, increase profitability and pay less tax then you have come to the right place.