Accountants for Landlords in London
Being a landlord in London means navigating one of the most demanding tax environments in the UK. Rental income tax, Self Assessment deadlines, Section 24 mortgage interest restrictions, capital gains tax on disposals, Making Tax Digital from April 2026 the obligations are continuous, the rules change regularly, and the penalties for getting them wrong are very real.
At AccFirm, we provide specialist accounting for landlords across London. Whether you own a single buy-to-let property or manage a portfolio of rental properties through a limited company, you are assigned a dedicated landlord accountant who understands property taxation inside out. We handle every aspect of your rental accounting and HMRC compliance under one transparent fixed monthly fee no hourly rates, no hidden charges, and no year-end surprises.
If you are paying more tax than you should, missing allowable expense claims, or simply unsure whether you are fully compliant with HMRC, AccFirm is here to fix that. Book your free consultation today.
What Our Clients Say About AccFirm
Many of our Customers have started their early careers with AccFirm
We’ve been working with this accounting team for over two years, and the difference has been incredible. From bookkeeping and VAT returns to corporation tax planning, everything is handled efficiently and on time. They keep us fully compliant with HMRC while helping us improve cash flow and profitability. I highly recommend their services to any business owner.
Sarah Thompson
Thompson Retail Ltd
As a contractor under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), I needed accountants who truly understand HMRC requirements. They managed my CIS registration, monthly returns, and self-assessment without any stress. Their guidance saved me both time and money. Professional, reliable, and always available when needed
James Patel
Self-Employed Contractor (CIS)
AccFirm took over our accounts when our previous firm kept missing deadlines. Within three months they had identified over £4,200 in tax savings we had been leaving on the table including expenses we had never been told we could claim. They handle everything from our quarterly VAT returns to our year-end accounts and payroll, and our dedicated accountant is always reachable. For any London small business owner, I cannot recommend them enough.
Daniel Okonkwo
Okonkwo Facilities Management Ltd
MTD Ready
Revenue Increase
Client Satisfaction
London landlords face a tax
London landlords face a tax environment that has changed dramatically in recent years. The gradual removal of mortgage interest relief under Section 24 now replaced with a basic-rate 20% tax credit has fundamentally altered the profitability of buy-to-let property for higher and additional rate taxpayers. At the same time, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) is coming, capital gains tax rates on residential property have increased, and the Furnished Holiday Lettings regime was abolished in April 2025.
Generalist accountants are simply not equipped to navigate these complexities accurately. A landlord accountant who specialises in rental property tax understands how all of these rules interact and uses that knowledge to reduce your tax liability legally, file your returns on time, and give you the proactive advice you need to make informed decisions about your property business.
AccFirm’s landlord accounting service covers everything from your annual Self Assessment tax return and rental income bookkeeping to buy-to-let tax planning, capital gains tax calculations, limited company SPV structures, and full Making Tax Digital compliance. All of it is delivered by a single dedicated accountant who knows your portfolio, your tax position, and your goals.
“Need Professional Business Support?”
Let our experienced accountants handle the compliance and financial complexities while you focus on growing your business.
Why London Landlords Need a Specialist Accountant?
Most London landlords initially manage their own tax affairs or rely on a general accountant. This is one of the most costly mistakes a property investor can make. Here is what a specialist landlord accountant at AccFirm handles that generalist accountants routinely miss.
Section 24 and mortgage interest planning
Since 2020, residential landlords can no longer deduct mortgage interest from rental income. Instead, you receive a 20% basic-rate tax credit on finance costs. For higher-rate taxpayers, this change has significantly increased the effective tax rate on rental profits. A specialist landlord accountant helps you understand the true impact on your position and plan around it whether that involves considering incorporation, restructuring ownership, or timing refinancing decisions.
Making Tax Digital compliance from April 2026
From 6 April 2026, landlords with total income above £50,000 must maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using approved software. The threshold falls to £30,000 in April 2027. AccFirm sets up and manages your MTD-compliant bookkeeping using Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent included in your monthly fee at no additional cost.
Capital gains tax on property disposals
If you sell a residential property, you must file a 60-day CGT return and pay any tax due within 60 days of completion. CGT rates on residential property stand at 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher-rate taxpayers. A specialist landlord accountant plans disposals in advance, applies every available relief, and files the 60-day return accurately and on time.
Allowable expenses you are missing
The majority of London landlords pay more tax than they legally need to because no one has told them everything they are entitled to claim. Accountancy fees, mileage to your properties, replacement domestic items, landlord insurance, service charges, professional subscriptions and more are all allowable expenses if claimed correctly. At AccFirm, we review your position thoroughly and ensure every legitimate deduction is applied.
HMRC penalties avoided
A late Self Assessment tax return attracts an immediate £100 penalty. Continued delay leads to further daily and percentage-based fines. Interest accrues on underpaid tax. AccFirm files every return on time, every year, and manages all HMRC correspondence on your behalf as your authorised agent.
Right Ownership Structure
Many London landlords purchase investment properties in their personal names when a limited company SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) structure could save them thousands in tax annually and provide better inheritance planning. The decision depends on your income level, existing tax position, and long-term goals and it requires specialist advice to get right. AccFirm advises on both personal ownership and limited company structures.
“Need Professional Business Support?”
Let our experienced accountants handle the compliance and financial complexities while you focus on growing your business.
AccFirm landlord Accounting Service
AccFirm landlord accounting service is comprehensive. Here is what your fixed monthly fee covers.
Self Assessment tax return for landlords
We prepare and submit your annual Self Assessment return accurately, calculating your rental profits, applying every allowable expense and relief you are entitled to, and ensuring you pay the correct amount of tax not a penny more. We manage your payments on account so you are never caught out by unexpected HMRC demands.
Rental income bookkeeping
We set up and manage your rental property bookkeeping using cloud accounting software Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent ensuring your income and expense records are accurate, up to date, and MTD-ready at all times.
Non-resident landlord returns
If you live outside the UK but own rental property here, AccFirm manages your HMRC non-resident landlord registration, your annual Self Assessment return, and any withholding tax obligations. We ensure you remain compliant with UK tax law regardless of where you are based.
Making Tax Digital compliance
AccFirm prepares every landlord client for MTD for ITSA well in advance of the April 2026 deadline. We set up your digital records, connect your accounting software, and manage your quarterly submissions to HMRC so the transition is seamless rather than stressful.
Capital gains tax on property disposal
When you sell a residential property, AccFirm calculates your CGT liability, identifies every available relief, and files your 60-day CGT return with HMRC within the statutory deadline. We also advise on the timing of disposals to use your annual exempt amount effectively.
Limited company and SPV accounting
If you hold or are considering holding rental properties through a limited company or Special Purpose Vehicle, AccFirm handles the full accounting package company accounts, corporation tax return, confirmation statement, and director salary and dividend planning.
Landlord Allowable Expenses — What You Can Claim
Knowing exactly what you can claim as a landlord is one of the most valuable things an expert landlord accountant provides. All expenses must be incurred “wholly and exclusively” for the purpose of the rental business but within that rule, the list is extensive.
Repairs and maintenance cover any work that restores the property to its original condition: boiler repairs, repainting between tenancies, fixing structural defects, treating damp, replacing broken windows.
Letting agent and property management fees are fully deductible, including tenant-finding fees, management fees, referencing costs, rent collection charges, and inventory fees.
Landlord insurance buildings cover, contents cover for furnished properties, landlord liability insurance, and rent guarantee insurance is allowable provided the policy is for the rental property specifically.
Finance costs under Section 24. You cannot deduct mortgage interest directly from rental profits as you could before 2017. Instead, you receive a tax credit equal to 20% of your finance costs which includes mortgage interest, mortgage arrangement fees, and most other finance charges on a residential letting. For higher-rate taxpayers, this change substantially increases the effective tax burden.
Professional fees incurred in connection with the rental business are allowable: accountancy fees for preparing your rental accounts and tax return, solicitor fees for tenancy agreement drafting and eviction proceedings (where these are revenue in nature), and surveyor fees where these relate to the letting activity.
Utilities paid by the landlord council tax, gas, electricity, water are allowable where the landlord, rather than the tenant, settles these bills.
Replacement domestic items relief allows you to claim the cost of replacing furniture, appliances, and household items on a like-for-like basis. The relief covers the cost of the replacement item (not the improvement to a higher specification). This is the relief that replaced the old 10% wear and tear allowance.
Travel costs for visits to your rental properties inspections, meetings with contractors, dealing with tenant matters are allowable using either HMRC’s approved mileage rates or actual costs.
Legal fees connected with tenancy renewals of less than 50 years and eviction costs where these are revenue in nature are allowable expenses.
“Need Professional Business Support?”
Let our experienced accountants handle the compliance and financial complexities while you focus on growing your business.
Which Landlords Does AccFirm Work With?
From first-time landlords to large London portfolios we tailor advice to your exact situation
First-Time Landlords
HMRC registration, SelfAssessment setup & obligations
Buy-to-Let Landlords
Tax returns, expense claims& Section 24 planning
HMO Landlords
Complex expense tracking& licensing fee claims
Ltd Co / SPV Landlords
Corporation tax, accounts& dividend planning
Non-Resident Landlords
HMRC NRL registration& UK tax returns
Inherited Property
CGT base cost, IHT& rental income setup
Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Landlords — Key Deadlines
HMRC’s digital reporting programme changes how landlords file rental income
April 2026
MTD mandatory for landlords
with income over £50,000
Quarterly digital submissions
April 2027
MTD extends to landlordswith income over £30,000Software required from day one
Accounting Softwares
Get Expert Accounting Support Today
Need reliable accountants for your business? Our experienced team is ready to help with tax planning, compliance, and financial advice. Contact us today to discuss your needs and grow your business with confidence.
Faqs about Accountants for Landlords in London
Do I need an accountant for rental income in the UK?
You are not legally required to use an accountant for your rental income. However, the majority of London landlords benefit substantially from specialist landlord accounting support. UK property tax is genuinely complex Section 24, allowable expenses, CGT on disposals, Making Tax Digital, and the rules around limited company ownership all require specialist knowledge to navigate correctly. Most AccFirm landlord clients find that the tax savings identified in the first year significantly exceed the cost of their accounting service.
How much does a landlord accountant in London cost?
AccFirm charges fixed monthly fees that are agreed transparently before you commit. Fees reflect the complexity of your portfolio and the specific services included there are no hourly rates and no year-end surprises. Contact us for a tailored fee proposal following your free consultation.
What expenses can I claim as a landlord?
Allowable expenses must be incurred “wholly and exclusively” for the rental business. The main categories include repairs and maintenance, letting agent fees, landlord insurance, professional fees (including accountancy fees), utilities where landlord-paid, travel costs, legal fees for tenancy agreements, and replacement domestic items. Finance costs mortgage interest are no longer fully deductible but generate a 20% basic-rate tax credit under Section 24. Capital expenditure is not allowable against income but can reduce your capital gains tax liability on disposal.
When is my landlord Self Assessment tax return due?
For online Self Assessment returns, the deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year (5 April). For example, your 2025/26 tax return covering rental income from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026 is due by 31 January 2027. AccFirm files all returns well ahead of the deadline.
Do I need to pay capital gains tax if I sell my rental property?
Yes, if you make a gain on the disposal of a residential property that is not your main home, capital gains tax applies. The current rates are 18% for basic-rate taxpayers and 24% for higher-rate taxpayers on gains from residential property. You must file a 60-day CGT return and pay any tax due within 60 days of the completion date. AccFirm handles the calculation and filing.
What is Making Tax Digital and how does it affect me as a landlord?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) requires landlords to keep digital financial records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using approved software. It becomes mandatory from 6 April 2026 for landlords with total income above £50,000, and from April 2027 for those above £30,000. AccFirm manages the entire MTD setup and ongoing compliance for every landlord client.
Should I put my rental property in a limited company?
It depends on your individual tax position, existing property ownership, borrowing arrangements, and long-term goals. For some landlords particularly those in higher tax brackets with multiple properties a limited company SPV structure offers meaningful tax advantages, including corporation tax at 25% rather than income tax at up to 45%, and more flexible dividend planning. For others, the costs and complexity of incorporation outweigh the benefits. AccFirm provides a detailed, personalised assessment before recommending any structural change.
Can AccFirm help non-resident landlords?
Yes. AccFirm works with non-resident landlords who own UK rental properties while living abroad. We handle HMRC non-resident landlord registration, UK Self Assessment tax returns, and advise on withholding tax obligations. We manage all HMRC correspondence on your behalf regardless of where you are based.