Why You Need an Accountant When Buying a House in the UK
- bes Accountancy Services
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. But while most buyers are quick to budget for legal fees, surveys and mortgage advice, many overlook the benefits of using a qualified accountant. Whether you are purchasing your first home, a second property or investing in a buy-to-let, having an accountant for buying a house in the UK can save you money, ensure full tax compliance and give you a clear financial roadmap before and after you complete.
In this guide, BES Accountancy explains why accounting services are essential for homebuyers, what to expect, and how smart property tax planning for homebuyers can reduce risk and increase long-term returns.
Ready to get expert advice before you buy? Call our director Besnik today: 07816264205
The Real Role of an Accountant When Buying Property
Most buyers assume stamp duty calculators and solicitors are enough to manage a house purchase. But they rarely see the bigger financial picture.
A professional accountant will:
Forecast your full tax liabilities, including Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Advise on structuring the purchase for tax efficiency
Ensure you claim all available reliefs and allowances
Help with mortgage interest relief and deductible expenses
Plan for future property income or sale events
At BES Accountancy, we regularly support clients not just with SDLT, but with broader property tax planning for homebuyers, especially those buying in high-value regions like London.
Want to dive deeper into accounting for businesses?
Read our related blog, where we provide a full guide to submitting your File Your Tax Return Early.
Pre-Purchase Budgeting and Financial Planning
Before you make an offer, an accountant can help you prepare a financial plan covering:
Deposit and loan-to-value ratio projections
Total SDLT under current rules
Expected legal, insurance and professional fees
Investment ROI forecasts (for buy-to-let buyers)
By working with a property tax accountant in London like BES, you get clarity around affordability, tax impact, and compliance responsibilities.
Understanding SDLT: Beyond the Online Calculator
Stamp Duty Land Tax can be more complex than it seems. Reliefs vary based on:
Whether you are a first-time buyer
Whether the property is a second home or buy-to-let
Joint ownership with someone who already owns property
Whether the property is held by a company
An accountant for buying a house in the UK will ensure SDLT is calculated correctly and submitted on time, helping you avoid penalties and overpayment.
We also offer SDLT forecasting to help buyers plan purchases before the new SDLT thresholds in 2025 come into force.
BES Accountancy uses tools like Xero and QuickBooks to help clients prepare property tax forecasts, file returns, and avoid costly surprises.
CGT and Long-Term Tax Planning
For many buyers, especially investors, property isn’t just about living space. It is an asset. That means future Capital Gains Tax (CGT) must be considered.
An accountant will:
Track acquisition costs and allowable expenses
File CGT returns promptly (within 60 days)
Help you plan sale timing for maximum tax efficiency
This is particularly important for those investing in rental property or gifting assets later in life. At BES, our CGT reporting service ensures you stay compliant and avoid late filing penalties.
Claiming Reliefs and Offsetting Expenses
From mortgage interest to letting agent fees and repairs, many costs can be claimed against property income.
BES Accountancy helps buyers structure purchases to:
Maximise deductible expenses
Correctly treat capital vs revenue expenditure
Offset finance costs (especially where multiple properties are owned)
This makes our service vital for landlords, buy-to-let purchasers, and joint property buyers.
Let bes accountancy services save you time and money by handling your accounting.
What Makes Property Tax Planning So Important?
Tax issues don’t end at the point of purchase. With so many HMRC rules surrounding property ownership, having an accountant ensures you:
Avoid fines for late SDLT or CGT reporting
Stay compliant with record keeping
Receive tailored advice on when to sell, gift, or refinance
BES Accountancy serves small and medium-sized businesses and individuals, helping navigate complex buying property tax implications in both residential and investment purchases.
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Why Choose BES Accountancy?
Founded in 2020, BES Accountancy is a trusted, London-based firm serving clients across the UK. Led by AAT-licensed professional Besnik Vata, our team of five experts specialises in practical, affordable, and digitally powered financial solutions for property buyers.
Our services include:
Bookkeeping
Payroll
VAT Returns
Financial Accounting
CGT Reporting
SDLT Planning
Full property purchase support
At BES, our values are simple: Availability, Efficiency, and Trust.
Let BES Accountancy handle the paperwork while you focus on your priorities.
Call 07816264205 or visit us at our London office for a free consultation.
FAQ: Why Use an Accountant When Buying a House?
1. Do I really need an accountant to buy a house in the UK?
Not legally, but an accountant ensures tax is calculated and reported correctly. You will also benefit from financial planning, relief claims and risk reduction.
2. What taxes should I be aware of when buying a house?
SDLT, Capital Gains Tax (CGT if applicable), and in some cases Inheritance Tax (IHT) if planning to gift or bequeath the property.
3. Can I claim expenses on a residential property?
Not usually, unless it is rented. However, future tax planning may make reliefs available later.
4. How does BES Accountancy help with buying property?
We provide budgeting, SDLT forecasts, CGT returns, and ongoing tax advice, all tailored to your situation.
5. Do you only serve London clients?
No. While we are based in London, we support clients all across the UK.
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