Foreign investors
Insights
Everything written for overseas buyers, newest first. A fresh piece lands every Monday. The prose is drafted by a model; every rate, threshold and duty in it is maintained by hand against its GOV.UK source.
- The true cost of buying from abroadYou've found a UK property to buy, but the price on the estate agent's website isn't the only amount you'll pay. Various costs are added at different stages, some one-off and some recurring.
- Stamp duty for non-resident buyersBuying a UK home from abroad can be a complex process, and one aspect that often catches people off guard is the additional tax they may have to pay. This can come as a surprise, especially if they're not aware of how their residency status affects the purchase.
- The paperwork nobody mentionsYou've bought a UK property, but the paperwork doesn't end there. In fact, it's just the beginning. Ongoing administrative duties will keep recurring, and being aware of them can help you stay on top of things.
- What overseas buyers are doing nowOverseas interest in UK residential property is evolving, with a notable shift in the incorporation of entities registering to own UK land, and a decline in new registrations.
- Building a UK portfolio from overseasAs a foreign investor, buying one UK property is a challenge, but acquiring several requires a deeper understanding of lender requirements, tax implications, and administrative tasks.
- Managing a UK property from abroadOwning a UK property from abroad brings unique challenges, from collecting rent and handling repairs to meeting safety standards and navigating local regulations, all while being thousands of miles away.
- Company or personal ownership: how the choice is actually madeBuying a UK property as a non-resident raises a fundamental decision: should you hold it personally or through a company? The implications of this choice are far-reaching and often surprising.
- Setting up a UK property company as a non-residentOwning UK property through a company can seem a straightforward way to manage your investment, but it brings its own set of administrative tasks and responsibilities that must be taken care of every year.
- Buying a UK property from overseas, step by stepAs a buyer from overseas, purchasing a UK property can be a complex and unfamiliar process. You may be surprised to find that the journey from finding a property to completing the purchase involves multiple parties and several key steps.
- What changed recently for overseas buyersBuying a UK property from abroad can be complex, and recent changes may affect your plans. Overseas buyers and landlords often find themselves navigating unfamiliar tax and regulatory requirements.
- Capital gains when a non-resident sellsSelling a UK property can trigger a tax bill, even if you're not living here. A short deadline for reporting the disposal catches many sellers out, and the gain is not just the difference between sale and purchase prices.
- Letting a UK property while living abroadAs a non-UK resident landlord, you may be surprised to learn that some of your rental income could be claimed by HMRC before you even receive it, and that there are specific rules and regulations you must follow to ensure compliance.
- Buying through a company, and the Register of Overseas EntitiesBuying UK property through a company can be more complicated than personal ownership, with additional registration and filing requirements. Overseas entities must navigate these rules to avoid delays.
- Moving money for a UK purchaseWhen buying a UK property from abroad, the exchange rate can eat into your budget, and delays in transferring funds can put completions at risk.
- Mortgages for non-resident buyersBuying a UK property from abroad can be complex, and securing a mortgage may not be straightforward, especially without a UK income or residence.
Information, not advice. Nothing here is tax, legal, mortgage or investment advice, and rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.