Property

London is a unique real estate market for foreign investors. According to Knight Frank and IPPR (March 2012):

• London real estate prices have risen by 11,3% during the past 12 months, and by 2,7% in Q1 2012
• property sales at the price of £5m+ have increased by 93% in Q1 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, and by 42% in the Central London area
• in 2011 foreign buyers invested £5.2 bn. in London’s real estate which is £1.5bn. more than in 2010

Investors can purchase property objects directly, through a legal entity who acts as a property owner or via setting up a trust. English legislation does not impose any restrictions upon foreign ownership of real estate in the UK.

Acquisition of residential property is a subject to State Duty Land Tax (SDLT) payable at the following rates:

• up to £125,000 – 0%
• from £125,000 to £250,000 – 1%
• from £250,000 to £500,000 – 3%
• from £500,000 to £1 mln – 4%
• over £1 mln – 5%

According to 2012 Budget:

• SDLT rate for residential property at the price of over £2 mln will be 7%
• 15% rate is payable if such property is acquired by legal entity

How we can help

We provide professional assistance to foreign investors willing to buy commercial or residential property in London. Our goal is to find an ideal property in the right place and for the reasonable price to save client’s time and money and simplify the whole process.

Our services:

• purchase and lease of residential property in London and its suburbs
• purchase and lease of commercial property in London and other cities in the UK
• individual property selection and visiting tours to selected objects
• full assistance with purchasing/selling/leasing agreements
• assistance with securing a mortgage with British banks from 2.5% to 4.5%
• property management
• assistance with property decoration & design

For more information on our services and prices, please contact our office.