At Accounting Matters, we regularly speak to landlords who are considering — or are already in the process of — moving their property portfolio from personal ownership into a limited company.
Incorporation is often driven by sensible reasons: tax efficiency, full mortgage interest relief, reinvestment opportunities, and long-term planning. But what many landlords don’t initially appreciate is this:
Moving to a limited company isn’t just a structural change — it’s a complete shift in how your property business must be managed.
And that’s exactly why having the right accountant isn’t just helpful — it’s critical.
Moving to a Limited Company Changes Everything
When you operate as a sole trader landlord, accounting is relatively straightforward. Once you incorporate, the rules, responsibilities and risks increase significantly.
As a limited company landlord, you now have:
- Corporation tax instead of income tax
- Director and shareholder responsibilities
- Dividend and salary planning
- Company compliance obligations
- Separate legal and financial identity
- Companies House filing requirements
- Director loan accounts
- Increased scrutiny from HMRC
At Accounting Matters, we see landlords struggle when they try to navigate this alone or rely on “basic” accounting support.
he cost of getting it wrong often outweighs the cost of proper advice.
Why an Accountant Is Essential When You Incorporate
1️⃣ Getting the Structure Right From Day One
One of the most important roles of an accountant during incorporation is ensuring the correct structure is put in place from the outset.
This includes:
- Shareholder and director setup
- Ownership splits (especially where spouses or family members are involved)
- How profits will be extracted
- Whether properties should be transferred or new purchases held in the company
- Understanding the tax consequences before any decisions are made
At Accounting Matters, we run clear, tailored projections before you incorporate so you understand exactly how the move will affect your tax, cash flow and long-term plans — before anything is signed or transferred.
2️⃣ Avoiding Costly Tax Mistakes
Incorporation can trigger unexpected tax charges if not handled correctly, including:
- Capital Gains Tax on property transfers
- Stamp Duty Land Tax liabilities
- Incorrect dividend withdrawals
- Overdrawn director loan accounts
- Missed corporation tax planning opportunities
We regularly take on landlords who have incorporated without advice and later discover avoidable tax bills.
Having an accountant involved means:
✔ You understand the tax implications upfront
✔ Reliefs are considered where available
✔ Withdrawals are planned correctly
✔ Tax is forecast — not guessed
3️⃣ Making Sure Incorporation Actually Saves You Money
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
“I’ve moved to a limited company — so I must be saving tax.”
That isn’t always true.
Without professional support, landlords can:
- Withdraw too much profit personally
- Lose the benefit of lower corporation tax
- Pay unnecessary dividend tax
- Fail to reinvest profits efficiently
At Accounting Matters, we ensure the financial benefits of incorporation are actually realised, not just assumed. Our quarterly reviews and tax planning meetings ensure your structure continues to work as intended.
4️⃣ Managing Ongoing Compliance Properly
Once incorporated, landlords must comply with multiple ongoing obligations:
- Accurate bookkeeping
- Corporation tax returns
- Annual accounts
- Companies House filings
- Confirmation statements
- Dividend paperwork
- Director loan monitoring
Missing deadlines or filing incorrectly can result in penalties, interest charges, or compliance issues.
With an accountant in place, these responsibilities are handled accurately and on time, giving you confidence that your company is fully compliant while you focus on managing your properties.
5️⃣ Turning Your Property Portfolio Into a Real Business
Incorporation is often the moment landlords begin to think like business owners — and an accountant plays a key role in supporting that shift.
With the right accountant, you gain:
- Regular management accounts
- Cash flow forecasting
- Profitability analysis per property
- Reinvestment planning
- Support when expanding your portfolio
- Clear insight into how your business is performing
At Accounting Matters, we don’t just prepare accounts — we help landlords run stronger, more profitable property businesses.
6️⃣ Supporting Long-Term Planning & Legacy
Many landlords incorporate not just for tax savings today, but for future planning — including inheritance tax and succession.
An accountant helps by:
- Advising on share structures
- Supporting family ownership planning
- Monitoring retained profits
- Providing accurate company valuations
- Working alongside legal advisers for estate planning
Without professional input, these opportunities can easily be missed.
Why Landlords Choose Accounting Matters
At Accounting Matters, we specialise in supporting landlords through incorporation and beyond. Our approach is proactive, structured and tailored — because no two portfolios are the same.
What makes us different?
✔ We specialise in landlord accounting
✔ We think ahead, not just at year end
✔ We explain everything in plain English
✔ We provide ongoing tax planning, not just compliance
✔ We support growth, reinvestment and long-term planning
From incorporation to quarterly management accounts and Month-9 tax planning, we act as a trusted partner — not just a service provider.
A Common Scenario We See
A landlord incorporates to save tax but continues to:
- Take all profits personally
- Keep poor records
- Miss planning opportunities
- Rely on year-end figures
- Feel unsure about what they owe or when
With proper accounting support, that same landlord:
- Retains profits strategically
- Pays tax efficiently
- Reinvests confidently
- Avoids surprises
- Feels in control
The difference is advice — not just structure.
Final Thoughts: Incorporation Without an Accountant Is a Risk
Moving your property portfolio into a limited company can be a powerful step — but only when it’s done with the right support.
At Accounting Matters, we ensure that incorporation:
- Saves you tax
- Protects you from mistakes
- Keeps you compliant
- Supports growth
- Fits your long-term goals
Because when landlords move to a limited company, having the right accountant isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
And when it comes to getting it right…
Accounting Does MATTER.