Industry specialists
Accountants for Landlords & Property
At a glance
- Section 24: mortgage interest on residential lets gets only a 20% tax credit — a specialist models whether incorporation beats personal ownership
- Selling a rental? UK residential property CGT must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion
- MTD for Income Tax hits landlords with property income over £50,000 from April 2026 (£30,000 from April 2027)
- Typical fees: £39–£89/month for a personal portfolio, £83–£227/month for a property company on our benchmarks
- Rent-a-room relief (£7,500) and the £1,000 property allowance cover the smallest cases without an accountant
What a property specialist actually does differently
General practice accountants can file a rental page on your tax return; a property specialist earns their fee on structure. The recurring decisions — buy the next property personally or through a company, how to split income with a spouse using a Form 17 election, what counts as repair (deductible now) versus improvement (only against CGT later), whether a holiday let still qualifies for its remaining reliefs — each carry four- and five-figure consequences over a portfolio's life.
The company question
Since mortgage-interest relief was restricted, thousands of landlords have incorporated — but it's not automatic. A company pays corporation tax and gives full interest deductibility, yet brings stamp duty and CGT costs on transfer, higher mortgage rates, and dividend tax on the way out. The right answer depends on your income, gearing, and exit plans. This single decision is where a good property accountant most obviously pays for themselves.
Making Tax Digital changes the admin completely
From April 2026, landlords with combined property and self-employment income over £50,000 must keep digital records and file quarterly updates with MTD-compatible software — paper spreadsheets and a January scramble stop working. Most landlord accountants now bundle software (typically Xero, FreeAgent, or Hammock) into their monthly fee. If MTD applies to you, choosing an accountant before April beats choosing one after.
What landlords should expect to pay
On our benchmarks: a straightforward personal portfolio of one to three properties typically runs £39–£89/month or £150–£400 as a one-off self assessment; larger personal portfolios and property companies run £83–£227/month including accounts and corporation tax. One-off advice — incorporation reviews, CGT computations on a sale — is commonly £300–£1,500 fixed-fee. Always confirm scope: portfolio size drives price more than anything.
From the register
Firms with a matching specialism
Register-listed firms whose recorded focus fits this sector — verify credentials and confirm sector experience directly before engaging.
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Tax consultants in Newport · established 2002
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Tax consultants in London · established 2003
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Property Accounting Here Limited
Solihull
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Accountants & auditors in Solihull · established 2012
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Retail Property Audit Services Limited
Birmingham
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Accountants & auditors in Birmingham · established 2012
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Jb Property Accounting Limited
Solihull
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Accountants & auditors in Solihull · established 2013
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Accountants & auditors in London · established 2013
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an accountant for one rental property?
Usually not for the filing itself — one property with rent under the higher-rate threshold is manageable via self assessment. A one-off session still pays if you have a mortgage (Section 24 planning), are selling (60-day CGT), or are deciding how to buy the next one.
Should my buy-to-let be in a limited company?
Higher-rate taxpayers with mortgaged portfolios often benefit; basic-rate landlords with low gearing often don't. Transfer costs (SDLT and CGT) usually mean incorporation only suits new purchases or larger portfolios — get the numbers modelled before deciding.
What records should a landlord keep?
Rent received, every expense with receipts (repairs, insurance, letting fees, mileage), mortgage interest statements, and completion statements from purchases and sales. Under MTD these must be digital from April 2026 if your property income passes £50,000.
Can an accountant help with an HMRC let-property disclosure?
Yes — if you have undeclared rental income, the Let Property Campaign offers better terms than waiting for HMRC's data matching (which now includes deposit schemes and letting agents). An accountant can quantify what's owed and handle the disclosure.
Information only — not tax, accountancy, or financial advice. Rules and thresholds change; confirm current positions with GOV.UK or a qualified accountant. Last reviewed: 2026-07-09.