Real estate tax

We regularly advise clients on the tax issues that arise during a real estate transaction. Our expertise includes VAT and SDLT issues, as well as direct tax implications, such as capital allowances and the construction industry scheme.

We help a variety of organisations ranging from property developers and investors to local authorities, housing providers, retailers, pub companies and charities. We work with businesses on all tax aspects arising in relation to their property portfolios including land development and construction operations and landlord and tenant transactions.

Our specific experience includes advising on the tax implications of large scale land regeneration schemes, development and site assembly projects and land development joint ventures.

We assist clients in identifying the appropriate tax structure for land development for a number of purposes, from housing and student accommodation to commercial office developments and renewable energy sites.

We provide tax support on high-end residential property transactions including the specific tax reliefs relevant to companies that own high value residential properties.

We also advise on the tax implications arising from UK inward investment real estate structures and landlord and tenant transactions, particularly those involving retailers and pub companies.

Working closely with our property and corporate specialists, we provide an integrated tax service for clients undertaking real estate transactions which is efficiently delivered and easy to understand.

• Advised a social housing provider on the VAT and SDLT implications of the acquisition of undeveloped land for £43 million.
• Providing VAT and capital allowances advice in relation to the acquisition of an office building in Manchester
• Advising a social housing provider on the VAT and SDLT implications of land swap and subsequent redevelopment of a retail park.
• Provided tax advice to a local authority on a £15 million freehold investment acquisition of a new retail development in the South West by way of a forward funding agreement. The advice covered VAT, construction industry scheme, capital allowances and SDLT.
• Advised a major restaurant operator on the VAT, capital allowances and construction industry scheme treatment of fit out works carried out on a variety of sites at which they were tenant, including in Manchester, Exeter, Watford, and Cheltenham.