3rd January 2017

The National Landlords Association has calculated that the buy-to-let tax changes that will come into operation in April will affect one in five landlords, meaning that around 440,000 could, depending on their personal financial circumstances, find themselves paying tax at a higher rate as a result of the profits they make from their rental properties.

CHANGES FROM APRIL 2017

Currently, those with buy-to-let mortgages can deduct all finance costs (such as mortgage interest, interest on loans taken out to furnish the property, and fees) in arriving at their rental income. From April this will no longer apply. Instead, they will receive a basic rate reduction from their income tax liability for their finance costs.
However, the new rules won’t be fully implemented until 2020 as the relief will be gradually tapered down. For example,
in tax year 2017-18, the deduction from property income will be restricted to 75% of finance costs, with the remainder being available as a basic-rate reduction. In addition, the 10% wear-and-tear allowance will go from April, and landlords will only be able to deduct costs they have actually incurred.

IMPACT ON THE BUY-TO-LET MARKET

According to the UK-wide Buy-to-Let Market Index2 produced by the Bank of Ireland, some landlords remain undeterred by the impending changes, with 46% of current landlords, with two or more properties reported as thinking of buying more over the next few years.

Over half of respondents (55%) admitted that they will consider raising rents, and more than a third (38%) are likely to switch mortgages in order to reduce the impact of the reduction in tax relief on their mortgage interest payments.

Many landlords will no doubt find themselves with a dilemma. Some will think
about putting their rent up at the earliest opportunity, while others may consider whether they want to remain landlords and could leave the market altogether.

In another hit on landlords, in the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced a ban on letting agent fees charged to tenants, passing the entire fee burden on to landlords of the property being let. The ban will be introduced “as soon as possible” following consultation.

As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Commercial Buy to Lets. The information contained within the article is based is based on our current understanding of taxation and can be subject to change in future. Taxation depends on individual circumstances as well as tax law and HMRC practice which can change. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume any liability for any errors or omissions it may contain