Tax, trusts and family

Trusts, inheritance tax, divorce, limited companies and family investment companies — for landlords

The big-money decisions: putting property in trust for your children, inheritance tax on a portfolio, what happens to rentals in a divorce, and moving into a limited company. Ask Wala in plain English, or follow the flow diagrams.

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Information, not advice. This page and Wala's answers are general information about UK law and tax, checked against official sources. They are not tax, legal or financial advice and don't take account of your circumstances. Tax rules change — before you transfer, gift, put property in trust or restructure, get advice from a qualified accountant or tax adviser and a solicitor. Wala can put you in touch with one.

Trusts, gifts to children and inheritance tax

Putting a rental property in trust for your children

The decisions, the tax and the paperwork when a parent buys or gives a buy-to-let for their children. General information only — get a solicitor and tax adviser before you act.

Flow diagram · 9 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Divorce and separation

Divorce or separation when you own rental property

How properties are dealt with when landlords separate — personally owned, in a limited company or in trust. General information only — speak to a family solicitor.

Flow diagram · 9 steps · England & Wales

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Limited companies and Section 24

Moving your rental portfolio into a limited company

The decisions and the tax when landlords think about incorporating. General information only — get an accountant to model your own numbers before you do anything.

Flow diagram · 8 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Family investment companies (FICs)

Setting up a family investment company (FIC)

How families use a company to hold rental property or investments for their children while keeping control. General information only — a FIC needs a tax adviser and a solicitor.

Flow diagram · 8 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Selling: capital gains tax

Capital gains tax when you sell a rental property

How the tax on your profit works when you sell a buy-to-let, and the 60-day deadline. General information — get an accountant to work out your figure.

Flow diagram · 7 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Gifting a rental to your children

Giving a rental property to your children

Handing a buy-to-let (or a share of it) to a child without a trust: the tax and the traps. General information only.

Flow diagram · 6 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

When a landlord dies

When a landlord dies

What happens to a rental property and its tenants when the owner dies.

Flow diagram · 7 steps · England

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Co-owners and child maintenance

Joint owners who fall out

When co-owners of a rental (siblings, partners, friends) can't agree on keeping or selling it.

Flow diagram · 6 steps · England & Wales

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Making Tax Digital and living abroad

Making Tax Digital for landlords

Quarterly digital updates to HMRC for landlords, phased in from April 2026 by income.

Flow diagram · 6 steps · UK

Questions landlords ask — tap one to ask Wala:

Want someone to run the numbers?

Tell Wala what you're thinking about. It explains the rules, writes up case notes, and — if you'd like — passes them to a property tax specialist or solicitor so you don't start from scratch. Asking is free.

Key sources: GOV.UK (Trust Registration Service, inheritance tax, capital gains tax on separation, Budget 2026 overview), HMRC manuals (TSEM, CG65715), HM Land Registry practice guide 24, Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. Checked 2 November 2026.