Category: UK Property Insights

Gain valuable insights into the UK property market with in-depth research and analysis. Stay ahead with expert data on trends, investment opportunities, and market forecasts.

Proposed US Income Tax Changes in ‘The One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ will make global mobility much more expensive Tax rises on the horizon for US businesses unless they plan ahead US President, Donald Trump’s ‘The One, Big, Beautiful Bill’ includes tax provisions that will make global mobility much more expensive for businesses unless they plan ahead, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. David Livitt, a Partner at the firm, said: “In US President, Donald Trump’s ‘The One, Big, Beautiful Bill’, there are a number of tax provisions, including a proposed incremental increase in U.S. tax rates starting at 5% and rising to 20% on income earned by residents of foreign countries deemed to have unfair tax regimes. This isn’t just a headline change, it’s a significant concern for global employers and employees.” He added: “These proposed tax changes could hit a wide range of individuals and businesses with international connections, particularly those moving in or out of the U.S. Those who may feel the pinch are: People who’ve left the U.S. but still have U.S. income Some individuals continue to earn U.S.-based income (like bonuses, stock payouts, or deferred compensation) even after leaving the country. Under the new rules, they may face higher tax rates, even though they no longer live or work in the U.S. Employees on company-sponsored tax equalization plans Many globally mobile employees have their U.S. taxes covered by their employer. If tax rates go up, the employer pays more, increasing assignment costs and possibly affecting future mobility programs. Employees moving to the U.S. mid-year When people relocate to the U.S. partway through the year, they may not be considered full U.S. tax residents right away. Under the proposed changes, these individuals could be taxed more heavily during that first partial year. Employees leaving the U.S. at year-end Similarly, individuals who leave the U.S. during a tax year might lose their full resident status. Any income earned after they leave, like bonuses or stock vesting, could now be taxed at a higher rate.” David said: “For companies with globally mobile employees, especially those who are non-U.S. residents or moving in and out of the U.S. the proposed tax hikes could make assignments significantly more expensive and individuals could face much higher U.S. tax bills simply because of when income is paid or where they live. And in many cases, the company foots that bill through tax equalisation.” He added: “But with the right planning, companies can reduce those costs and protect their mobility program: Time payments wisely Bonuses, stock payouts, or other compensation that would otherwise fall in a higher-tax year can be accelerated into 2025 before the new rates hit. This is especially helpful for employees leaving the U.S., relocating to the U.S. mid-year, or with trailing income after a move. Review stock compensation schedules If Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) or stock options are due to vest in early 2026, consider settling them before year-end 2025. This can prevent triggering the higher marginal rates or foreign surtaxes. Consider the type of stock compensation you want to issue Careful tax planning could involve issuing Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) to avoid compensation and ordinary income tax that normally applies to nonqualified stock options. However, be aware of certain limitations and triggering of alternative minimum tax. Defer income after 2026 — where possible Where employees will be in lower-tax situations in the future (e.g., post-assignment or post-retirement), consider deferring compensation until then. Deferred comp plans may help manage the tax timing. Maximise tax-efficient benefits Use employer-sponsored plans to reduce taxable income in high-rate years. Every dollar shielded helps, especially when companies may be absorbing tax equalisation costs.” David said: “These proposed changes could significantly impact companies with mobile workforces and highly compensated employees. Now is the time for proactive planning to stay ahead of what could be a very different tax landscape in 2026.”

News

Trumped! US buyer demand for UK property hits eight-year high amid trade fears

Interest from American buyers in UK homes has surged to its highest level since 2017, according to new data from Rightmove, as growing uncertainty over President Trump’s economic policies prompts a rise in enquiries.

By Anna Ibbotson · May 21, 2025

Cottage-style properties, long favoured by holiday let investors and staycation seekers, are in short supply across England, accounting for just 4% of all homes currently listed for sale, according to new research by Regency Living.

UK Property Insights

Holiday let investors face shortage of cottages, with Cornwall topping supply list

Cottages make up just 4% of homes for sale in England, with Cornwall, Herefordshire and Rutland offering the best supply for holiday let investors, new research finds.

Anna Ibbotson · May 21, 2025

The latest data from property website Home paints a mixed picture for the UK housing market, with rents falling and sales stock volumes climbing sharply—a signal that both the rental and sales sectors are under mounting pressure.

News

UK housing market update: rents fall as sales stock hits 11-year high

UK rents fall by 1.8% as supply rises, while unsold sales stock hits highest level since 2013, driven by slowing demand after stamp duty changes, Home.co.uk reports.

Property Portfolio Investor · May 21, 2025

UK house prices rose for a fifth consecutive May, hitting a new record as sellers raced to list properties before the new lower stamp duty threshold took effect.

News

UK house prices rise in May for fifth year running amid rush to beat stamp duty deadline

UK house prices rose 0.6% in May to a record £379,517, driven by a surge in new listings before stamp duty changes, Rightmove reports, marking five years of…

Anna Ibbotson · May 19, 2025

Homebuyer activity across England is on the rise, with almost every county recording an increase in demand over the past year, according to new research from London estate agency Benham and Reeves.

News

New research shows buyer demand rises across almost every county in England

New data from Benham and Reeves shows property buyer activity is trending upwards across nearly all English counties, driven by improved mortgage affordability and market stability.

Anna Ibbotson · May 13, 2025

Zoopla research reveals Glenrothes in Scotland as the UK’s top affordable hotspot for families, as regional buyer interest surges in budget-friendly locations across Britain.

UK Property Insights

Revealed – the most affordable and most popular housing hotspots for families

Zoopla research reveals Glenrothes in Scotland as the UK’s top affordable hotspot for families, as regional buyer interest surges in budget-friendly locations across Britain.

Anna Ibbotson · May 9, 2025

New research from London estate agency Benham and Reeves reveals a strong rise in buyer activity across nearly every county in England, as falling interest rates and improved mortgage affordability help revive market momentum.

News

Buyer activity ‘trending upwards’ across England as mortgage conditions improve

New research from London estate agency Benham and Reeves reveals a strong rise in buyer activity across nearly every county in England, as falling interest rates and improved…

Anna Ibbotson · May 9, 2025

London’s property market is losing its once “safe bet” status. Discover why rising costs, tougher regulation, and economic headwinds are making investments riskier than ever.

UK Property Insights

London’s housing gamble: why the capital may no longer be a safe bet

London’s property market is losing its once “safe bet” status. Discover why rising costs, tougher regulation, and economic headwinds are making investments riskier than ever.

Property Portfolio Investor · March 12, 2025

House prices have climbed three times faster than flat values since the start of the pandemic, with cladding concerns and mounting service charges weighing on the popularity of apartments, according to research from Zoopla.

UK Property Insights

UK house prices have risen three times faster than flats since 2020

House prices have climbed three times faster than flat values since the start of the pandemic, with cladding concerns and mounting service charges weighing on the popularity of…

Property Portfolio Investor · March 2, 2025

A new survey has highlighted Betws-y-Coed as the most profitable location in North Wales for holiday let owners, with homeowners in the picturesque “alpine village” generating an average annual revenue of £33,000.

UK Property Insights

Betws-y-Coed takes top spot as North Wales holiday let hotspot with owners earning £30k+ a year

A new survey has highlighted Betws-y-Coed as the most profitable location in North Wales for holiday let owners, with homeowners in the picturesque “alpine village” generating an average…

Anna Ibbotson · February 23, 2025