Property development projects

Intent is often crucial in determining how a property development project is taxed. If a property is acquired with the intention of renovating before selling for an anticipated profit, then this almost certainly will be considered to be a trading activity, with the profits being liable to income tax and national insurance contributions.

In order for any profits from sale to be taxed more favourably as capital gains, it would help if there was some initial intent to either live in the property or to let it out, and that the property development should be a one off project.

If the property is not going to be lived in and claimed as a principal private residence, development through a company will usually give a lower tax bill overall.