Managing taxes as a real estate agent isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s about having the right strategy in place to help you keep more of what you earn. Whether you’re juggling commission-based earnings, travel expenses, or marketing costs, staying on top of HMRC rules and regulations can be overwhelming. That’s where Pearl Lemon Accountants comes in.
Our specialised tax planning services for UK real estate agents are designed to address the industry-specific challenges you face daily. Let us handle the numbers while you focus on closing deals and growing your business.
Our Expert Accounting Services for Real Estate Businesses
We know that no two real estate businesses are the same. That’s why our services are customised to suit your specific needs and goals:
Business Structure Optimisation
The right business structure can make a significant difference in how much tax you pay.
- Limited Company Setup: If your earnings exceed £50,000 annually, switching from sole trader status to a Limited Company could save you thousands.
- VAT Registration and Compliance: We handle everything, from determining if the Flat Rate Scheme suits your business to filing accurate VAT returns.
Full-Service Tax Management
You don’t have to deal with spreadsheets or guesswork anymore. We take care of:
- Tracking and categorising expenses, ensuring you claim every allowable deduction.
- Calculating quarterly payments, so you never miss a deadline.
- Filing accurate returns, keeping HMRC happy, and protecting your peace of mind.
Advanced Tax Planning
Real estate professionals often miss out on opportunities to reduce their tax liabilities. We go beyond the basics:
- Pension Contributions: Lower your taxable income by investing in a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP).
- Capital Gains Tax Planning: If you’re selling properties, we’ll help minimise your liability while keeping everything compliant.
- Deferred Income Strategies: Close to entering a higher tax bracket? We’ll help you adjust the timing of commissions to optimise your tax position.
Industry-Specific Tax Expertise
You need more than generic advice—you need someone who understands how the property industry operates. Our team specialises in addressing the challenges real estate agents face, including:
- High-value portfolios in London: Agents managing prime properties often require advanced VAT planning to align with their revenue streams.
- Mileage-heavy operations in Manchester: We help agents tracking hundreds of miles each month manage their travel costs efficiently.
- Growing teams in Birmingham: Small agencies often save significantly by restructuring as a Limited Company.
No matter where you operate in the UK, we know the challenges you face and deliver solutions that work.
Why Work with Pearl Lemon Accountants?
Choosing our expert accountants means partnering with a team that knows the challenges and intricacies of the real estate industry. Here’s what makes us the right choice for your tax planning needs:
Proven Expertise
We have extensive experience working with real estate professionals throughout the UK, from independent agents managing their own books to established agencies handling multi-million-pound portfolios. Our deep understanding of the property sector ensures we provide precise, effective solutions.
Proactive Planning
Tax issues can often be avoided with the right strategy. We don’t wait for problems to arise—instead, we anticipate potential challenges and implement plans to address them before they affect your bottom line.
Technology-Driven Processes
Using advanced tools like Xero and QuickBooks, we streamline your financial management, ensuring all your records are accurate, accessible, and ready for any HMRC inquiries or audits. These tools also help simplify ongoing tax compliance.
Regular Check-Ins
We don’t leave you in the dark about your finances. Our team schedules periodic reviews to ensure your tax planning strategies are on track and adapt to any changes in your business or HMRC regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can claim expenses directly related to your business, such as travel costs (mileage or public transport), home office expenses, marketing fees, professional memberships, and training costs. Proper documentation is essential to support these claims.
If your annual turnover exceeds £85,000, VAT registration is mandatory. Depending on your business model, the Flat Rate Scheme might simplify your VAT calculations while offering potential savings.
Limited Companies pay Corporation Tax at 19%, which is often lower than the Income Tax rates faced by sole traders. They also allow you to take income as dividends, which can reduce your overall tax burden.
Yes, but only the percentage of costs related to business use. For example, if you use your car 70% for work and 30% personally, you can claim 70% of your vehicle expenses. Keeping a detailed mileage log is crucial for this.
You can offset your gains using the annual CGT allowance (£6,000 in 2024) or transfer property ownership to a spouse to double the allowance. We also help identify other strategies, such as rollover relief or timing sales strategically.
Don’t Let Taxes Hold You Back
Managing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Let our expert accountants to handle the complexities for you, so you can focus on growing your real estate business and achieving your goals.
Talk to our team today and let us make your finances work as hard as you do.
