Property & Landlord Accounting

Limited Company Buy-to-Let Setup Advice

We help Cardiff landlords set up limited companies for buy-to-let properties, navigating the tax rules and paperwork so you can protect your assets and keep more of what you earn. Whether you're buying your first rental or restructuring an existing portfolio, we'll guide you through every step.

10
Years advising landlords
25%
Typical corporation tax rate
100+
Property clients across Wales
Advisor points to a house model and incorporation documents across a desk while a client reviews papers in a modern office meeting room.

Everything under limited company buy-to-let setup

From choosing the right structure to securing your mortgage and staying compliant, we cover all the moving parts of setting up a property company in Cardiff and South Wales.

SPV Company Formation

Registering your Special Purpose Vehicle with Companies House and setting up the right structure for your rental business.

Property Transfer Advice

Planning the most tax-efficient way to move existing properties into your limited company.

Mortgage & Lender Liaison

Working alongside your broker to ensure your accounts and forecasts meet lender requirements.

Ongoing Company Accounts

Annual filings, corporation tax returns and bookkeeping tailored to property landlords.

Why landlords in Cardiff are moving to limited companies

Since 2016, the tax landscape for landlords has shifted. If you own rental properties personally, you can no longer deduct all your mortgage interest from your rental income before paying tax. For higher-rate taxpayers, that change has made a real dent in take-home profit. Setting up a limited company to hold your buy-to-let properties lets you claim full mortgage interest relief and pay corporation tax on profits instead of income tax, often at a lower rate.

It is not right for everyone, and the setup involves some cost and complexity. But if you are expanding your portfolio or already paying higher-rate tax, the numbers usually stack up. We help Cardiff landlords decide whether a limited company makes sense, then handle the formation, transfers and ongoing compliance so you can focus on finding tenants and managing properties.

We take the headache out of company setup so you can get on with being a landlord.

More information

How we help you get started

First, we look at your current position: how many properties you own, your tax bracket, your plans for growth. If a limited company is the right move, we register it with Companies House, advise on share structure and director roles, and make sure you have the right SIC codes in place. We also work closely with your mortgage broker, providing the forecasts and accounts lenders need to approve your buy-to-let finance.

If you already own properties personally, transferring them into the company is a bigger decision. It triggers a sale for tax purposes, which can mean stamp duty and capital gains tax. We model the costs and help you decide whether to transfer now, wait, or simply hold new purchases in the company. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so we tailor the advice to your circumstances.

Once your company is live, we handle your bookkeeping, annual accounts, corporation tax returns and confirmation statements. You get a clear picture of your rental income and expenses, and we make sure you meet every HMRC and Companies House deadline. If you are claiming allowable expenses like repairs, insurance or travel, we check they are logged correctly. If you are planning to reinvest profits or draw dividends, we show you the most tax-efficient way to do it.

Local knowledge that counts

We work with landlords across Cardiff, from Cathays student lets to family homes in Whitchurch and Pentwyn. We understand the South Wales property market, the types of tenants you are dealing with, and the quirks of local rental demand. Whether you are buying a terrace in Roath or a new-build flat in Cardiff Bay, we have seen it before and we know the questions to ask.

Many of our clients are tradespeople, dental professionals or small business owners who have built up a property portfolio alongside their main income. They need an accountant who speaks plain English, responds quickly, and does not assume they know the ins and outs of corporation tax. That is exactly what we offer: straightforward advice, no jargon, and a team that is easy to get hold of when you need us.

Worth considering

Property & Landlord Accounting

Property Portfolio Accounting

Rental income and expense accounting across multiple properties, with clean records, profitability by property, and HMRC-ready figures for returns and planning.

Property Portfolio Accounting
Property & Landlord Accounting

Buy-to-Let Tax Returns

Buy-to-let tax returns prepared and filed with clear guidance on rental income, allowable expenses and HMRC deadlines, so you stay compliant and pay the right tax.

Buy-to-Let Tax Returns
Property & Landlord Accounting

Landlord Accounting Services

Landlord accounting for rental income, allowable expenses and HMRC deadlines. Clear figures for Self Assessment, plus support for property sales and tax planning.

Landlord Accounting Services

Before you book

Here are the questions Cardiff landlords ask us most about setting up a limited company for buy-to-let.

Is a limited company right for my buy-to-let properties?
It depends on your tax position and plans. If you are a higher-rate taxpayer or building a portfolio, a limited company often saves tax. If you own one or two properties and pay basic-rate tax, the savings may not justify the setup costs. We will run the numbers with you.
How long does it take to set up a property company?
Registering the company with Companies House takes as little as 24 hours. Opening a business bank account and arranging a mortgage can take a few weeks. We guide you through each step so nothing gets missed.
Can I transfer properties I already own into the company?
Yes, but it counts as a sale for tax purposes. You may face stamp duty land tax and capital gains tax on the transfer. We help you weigh up the costs against the long-term tax savings before you decide.
Will I need a special mortgage for a limited company buy-to-let?
Yes. Lenders treat company buy-to-lets differently and often require larger deposits, typically 25 to 40 per cent. We work with your mortgage broker to provide the accounts and forecasts lenders ask for.
What are the ongoing costs of running a property company?
You will pay for annual accounts, corporation tax returns, confirmation statements and bookkeeping. There may also be higher mortgage rates compared to personal buy-to-lets. We keep our fees transparent and tailored to the size of your portfolio.
Do I still pay tax on rental income in a limited company?
Yes, but the company pays corporation tax on its profits, currently 19 to 25 per cent depending on profit levels. If you draw money out as dividends, you will pay personal tax on those dividends. We help you plan the most tax-efficient way to take income.
Can you help if I am buying my first rental property?
Absolutely. Setting up a limited company from day one can save you the cost and hassle of transferring properties later. We will talk you through the pros and cons and make sure your structure fits your long-term plans.
Do you work with landlords outside Cardiff?
Yes, we support landlords across South Wales, including Newport, Bridgend, the Valleys and beyond. If you are based locally or your properties are in our area, we can help.

Let's talk about your buy-to-let setup

Book a free consultation and we'll explain your options in plain English, with no pressure and no jargon.

Book a free consultation