Why More Landlords Are Choosing the Limited Company Route

At Accounting Matters, we’ve spent years helping landlords navigate the ever-changing world of property taxation. From Section 24 restrictions to rising mortgage costs, the landscape has transformed — and so must the way you operate.

Many landlords are now discovering that moving their property portfolio into a limited company is one of the smartest long-term business decisions they can make.

But here’s the catch: it’s not as simple as registering a company and moving your properties across. You need a well-planned strategy that considers tax efficiency, finance costs, legal obligations, future growth and family planning — and that’s where we come in.

At Accounting Matters, we’ve thought of it all so you don’t have to.

The Key Benefits of Holding Property in a Limited Company

1️⃣ Tax Efficiency that Works in Your Favour

Under Section 24, individual landlords can no longer fully deduct mortgage interest from rental income. This means many now pay more tax than ever before.

By contrast, a limited company can deduct 100 % of mortgage interest as a business expense. Add to that the fact that profits are taxed at the corporation tax rate (19–25 %), rather than higher personal income tax rates of 40–45 %, and it’s easy to see why incorporation is so popular.

πŸ‘‰ Explore our Month-9 Tax Planning service to see how we help clients structure their businesses to keep more of what they earn.

2️⃣ Retain, Reinvest and Grow on Your Own Terms

When you operate personally, every pound of profit is immediately subject to income tax. Within a company, you can retain profits for future investment — meaning your portfolio can grow faster without the constant tax drag.

Whether you plan to purchase another property, refurbish your existing portfolio, or pay down debt, retaining profits in the business gives you complete financial control.

At Accounting Matters, we design smart extraction strategies that help you decide when and how to take income, ensuring it’s always done tax-efficiently.

3️⃣ Protect Your Personal Assets

Operating through a limited company creates a clear legal boundary between your personal finances and your property business. This helps protect your home and personal assets from business liabilities.

While lenders may still request personal guarantees, the company structure adds an extra layer of protection and professionalism to your operation — something we always highlight in our client consultations.

4️⃣ Easier Succession & Legacy Planning

We know your property portfolio is more than an income stream — it’s your legacy.

By holding assets within a company, you can issue or transfer shares to family members, creating a smoother path for inheritance and long-term wealth transfer. With expert planning, this can also support Inheritance Tax efficiency, ensuring your hard-earned investments stay within your family.

πŸ‘‰ Speak to our incorporation specialists to learn how company shares can be structured for family succession.

5️⃣ Professional Credibility with Lenders and Agents

Banks, brokers and letting agents often view incorporated landlords as more professional investors. Many specialist lenders now offer competitive limited company mortgage products designed specifically for portfolio landlords.

We’ll even coordinate directly with your mortgage adviser or broker to ensure your new structure aligns perfectly with your finance arrangements — another detail we’ve already thought about, so you don’t have to.

What to Watch Out For — and How We Solve It

Yes, incorporation offers clear advantages — but it must be done correctly. At Accounting Matters, our role is to plan, calculate and manage every moving part to ensure it’s worthwhile for you.

Here’s what we address for every landlord we help:

Challenge

How Accounting Matters Solves It

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

We assess eligibility for potential reliefs and ensure costs are factored into your decision model.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

We forecast the liability before transfer and design timing strategies to minimise exposure.

Mortgage Refinancing

We liaise with lenders or introduce trusted brokers who specialise in limited company BTL.

Dividend Tax

We help you build an extraction plan that balances salary, dividends and reinvestment.

Ongoing Compliance

We manage your bookkeeping, VAT (if applicable), annual accounts, and Companies House filings — leaving you free to focus on your properties.

Simply put: we’ve thought through every angle so you can move confidently.

Why Accounting Matters Is the Right Partner

🧭 We Think Ahead — Not Just File Accounts

We don’t simply set up your company and walk away. We provide ongoing property-focused tax planning, quarterly management reviews, and guidance on extracting profits efficiently.

Every client is offered our Month-9 Tax Planning Review, where we forecast your year-end position, identify savings opportunities, and keep you in full control of your tax position.

πŸ—οΈ We Understand Property Inside Out

Our landlord clients range from first-time investors to portfolio owners managing 20+ properties. We know the real-world challenges: rising rates, compliance pressures, tenant management, Section 24 impacts and financing constraints.

That’s why we’ve built a specialist Landlord Accounting Service that integrates:

  • Xero cloud accounting for real-time reporting
  • Dext for effortless document uploads
  • Month-9 forecasting for proactive tax control
  • SmartVault and SignWell for secure file management

πŸ‘‰ Learn more about our Property Accounting Packages

πŸ’Ό We Handle the Transition End-to-End

From company registration and bank setup to liaising with solicitors and brokers, our incorporation process is streamlined, transparent, and stress-free. We handle the forms, filings and HMRC notifications — you stay focused on your portfolio.

πŸ“Š We Model the Numbers Before You Commit

Before you decide, we’ll show you a detailed side-by-side projection of your tax and cash-flow position — as a sole trader versus a limited company. You’ll know the real cost, benefit, and breakeven point before taking action.

πŸ’œ We Live by Our Values

Flexible. Persistent. Positive. Trust. Team.
At Accounting Matters, these aren’t just words — they guide everything we do. We build long-term relationships with our clients, grounded in honesty, clarity and care. Because when it comes to your investments, Accounting Does MATTER.

Your Next Steps — Let’s Get the Structure Right

If you’re considering moving your buy-to-let business into a limited company, now is the time to act. With property and tax regulations tightening, early strategic planning makes all the difference.

Here’s what to do next:
1️⃣ Book a consultation – We’ll review your portfolio, tax band and long-term goals.
2️⃣ We’ll model the numbers – See the impact of incorporation versus staying personal.
3️⃣ Let’s implement it together – We’ll form your company, handle compliance, and manage the transition seamlessly.
4️⃣ Stay supported all year – Our landlord clients benefit from regular reviews, proactive alerts, and trusted advice.

πŸ‘‰ Book your free landlord consultation today

In Summary

Operating as a limited company gives landlords greater tax efficiency, control, and protection, but only when done with the right strategy.

At Accounting Matters, we’ve already considered every angle — from Section 24 implications to SDLT planning, family succession, extraction strategies, and ongoing compliance. We don’t just file your accounts — we future-proof your business.

Let’s make your property portfolio work smarter, not harder.

Because at Accounting Matters… Accounting Does MATTER.

Our Certification

We are Certified Platinum Xero Partners and Platinum Quickbooks Partners

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