Expert Company Formation Service in London Built for Property Investors & Landlords
Stop paying higher-rate Income Tax on your rental profits. AccoFirm's specialist London Company Formation Service sets up your SPV or buy-to-let limited company correctly from day one — with the right SIC codes, registered office address, and HMRC registration to satisfy your mortgage lender and maximise your tax efficiency.
Request a Free Consultation
No obligation. Receive expert advice within one working day.
Your details are secure. We never share your data with third parties.
Why London Landlords Are Switching to Limited Company Ownership — and Why Getting the Formation Right Matters
Since Section 24 of the Finance (No.2) Act 2015 phased out mortgage interest relief for individual landlords, thousands of London property investors have moved their portfolios into limited companies. For higher-rate taxpayers, the difference can be substantial: personal rental income is taxed at up to 45%, whilst a limited company pays Corporation Tax at 19–25%.
But a company formation is not simply a form-filling exercise. To satisfy your buy-to-let mortgage lender, your SPV must be set up with the correct Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code, a clean trading history, and appropriate Articles of Association. A single misstep — an incorrect SIC code, a missed HMRC registration, or an address that fails lender requirements — can delay your mortgage application by weeks or force a costly reformation.
AccoFirm's specialist London Company Formation Service eliminates that risk entirely. Our ICAEW-qualified accountants handle every step, ensuring your company is formed correctly, compliantly, and with the structure your lender requires — typically within one business day.
Ready to protect your rental income from punishing tax rates?Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our specialist company formation advisers.
Book Free ConsultationAccoFirm by the Numbers
Trusted by landlords and property investors across Greater London and beyond.
Company Formation Services Tailored to London Property Investors
Every landlord's circumstances are different. Whether you're purchasing your first buy-to-let, expanding an existing portfolio, or restructuring for tax efficiency, we provide the precise company structure you need.
Most Popular
SPV Limited Company Formation
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a limited company created solely to hold buy-to-let property. It remains the preferred structure for portfolio landlords and is required by most specialist BTL lenders.
We register your SPV with the lender-compliant SIC code (68100 or 68209), draft investor-ready Articles of Association, complete HMRC Corporation Tax registration, and provide your Companies House Certificate of Incorporation — all within 24 hours.
- Full mortgage interest relief retained
- Correct SIC code guaranteed for lenders
- Bespoke Articles of Association included
- HMRC Corporation Tax & UTR registration
- Central London registered office address
For Expanding Portfolios
Property Investment Limited Company
For investors building a portfolio of five or more properties, a dedicated property investment company with a multi-class share structure provides flexibility for future financing, succession planning, and profit extraction.
We structure your share classes to accommodate investor partners, create director's loan account frameworks, and ensure the company is VAT-registered where applicable — laying the foundations for scalable, tax-efficient growth.
- Multi-class share structure available
- Director's loan account framework
- VAT registration where applicable
- Strategic profit-extraction advice
- Ongoing statutory compliance support
For Non-UK Residents
International Landlord Company Formation
You do not need to be a UK resident to own and operate a UK property company. AccoFirm assists overseas investors throughout the formation process — including enhanced AML due diligence, HMRC Non-Resident Landlord Scheme registration, and appointing a UK-based registered agent.
We provide a prestigious Central London registered office address, digital document management, and ongoing UK tax compliance — giving international property investors full peace of mind from abroad.
- No UK residency required
- Enhanced AML compliance managed
- Non-Resident Landlord Scheme registration
- Full digital document delivery
- Ongoing UK statutory filing support
Not sure which company structure is right for your situation?Our experts provide a free assessment — no jargon, no obligation.
Get a Free AssessmentEverything Included in Our London Company Formation Service
Unlike budget online formation agents that hand you a certificate and leave you to navigate Companies House alone, AccoFirm provides a comprehensive, accountant-led service — so your company is properly structured from day one and built to satisfy your mortgage lender's requirements.
- Company name availability check & reservation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (bespoke for property)
- Companies House filing & same-day submission option
- Certificate of Incorporation (digital & hard copy available)
- Share certificates for all shareholders
- Correct SIC code selection for BTL mortgage lenders
- HMRC Corporation Tax registration & UTR number
- Unique Authentication Code for Companies House
- Central London registered office address (12 months included)
- Service address for all directors — protecting home addresses
- Online company management portal access
- Post scanning & digital forwarding of all official correspondence
- Free 30-minute post-formation tax planning consultation
- Guidance on first Confirmation Statement filing
- Access to business bank account introductions (inc. Barclays, Tide, Monzo)
The Case for Holding London Buy-to-Let Properties in an SPV
Understand the tax advantages, the risks, and why the structure of your company formation is critical to your long-term property investment success.
Full Mortgage Interest Relief
Section 24 removed individual landlords' ability to deduct mortgage interest from rental profits. A limited company retains full interest relief as a legitimate business expense — a critical advantage for leveraged portfolios in high-value London markets.
Lower Corporation Tax vs Income Tax
Rental profits within a limited company are subject to Corporation Tax (19–25%), rather than personal Income Tax at up to 45% for additional-rate taxpayers. For a landlord with £60,000 in annual rental profit, this difference can represent thousands of pounds per year.
Personal Asset Protection
A limited company is a separate legal entity. Your personal assets — your family home, savings, and other investments — are protected from any liabilities arising within the company, providing crucial protection in the event of tenant disputes or unexpected property costs.
Joint Ventures & Co-Investment
An SPV company structure with multiple share classes makes joint property investment straightforward, clearly documenting ownership proportions, profit-sharing arrangements, and decision-making authority between co-investors — with no costly renegotiation required later.
Succession & Inheritance Planning
Property held within a company can be passed to heirs by transferring shares rather than the underlying assets, potentially avoiding the Stamp Duty Land Tax and conveyancing costs that arise when properties are transferred personally. Our specialists advise on the optimal structure at formation.
Reinvestment & Portfolio Growth
Retained profits within a limited company can be reinvested into further property purchases without first being drawn as personal income and taxed at your marginal rate — allowing compounding portfolio growth in an efficient, low-friction structure.
The SPV Limitation You Must Understand Before Forming
An SPV is effective for new property purchases. However, transferring existing personally-owned properties into an SPV triggers both Capital Gains Tax (on any gains since acquisition) and Stamp Duty Land Tax (at the prevailing rate, including the 3% surcharge). For many landlords, these transfer costs make the SPV most advantageous when adopted from the outset.
Our advisers provide a clear, personalised analysis of whether the SPV route makes financial sense for your situation — free of charge — before you commit to any formation.
Our accountants will model your personal tax position and calculate whether incorporation is the right move — with no obligation to proceed.
Personal Ownership vs Limited Company: A Practical Comparison for London Landlords
| Factor | Personal Ownership | SPV / Limited Company |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage Interest Relief | ❌ Restricted to 20% basic rate tax credit (Section 24) | ✅ Full deduction as a business expense |
| Tax Rate on Rental Profits | ❌ Income Tax: 20%, 40% or 45% depending on total income | ✅ Corporation Tax: 19–25% |
| Personal Asset Protection | ❌ Personal assets at risk from property liabilities | ✅ Limited liability — personal assets protected |
| Profit Reinvestment | ❌ Must extract and tax profits before reinvesting | ✅ Retained profits reinvested at Corporation Tax rate |
| Administrative Burden | ✅ Self Assessment only; simpler compliance | ⚠️ Annual accounts, Corporation Tax return, Confirmation Statement required |
| Mortgage Availability | ✅ Wider range of residential and BTL products | ⚠️ Specialist BTL lenders; rates slightly higher |
| Dividend/Profit Extraction Tax | N/A (income taxed directly) | ⚠️ Dividends taxed separately — requires planning |
| Succession & Inheritance | ❌ Property transfer triggers SDLT & legal costs | ✅ Share transfer — no SDLT, simpler estate planning |
| Joint Investment Structure | ⚠️ Tenancy in common; limited flexibility | ✅ Multi-class shares; clear documentation of ownership |
This table provides general guidance only. Tax legislation is subject to change. Please consult our specialists for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
How Our London Company Formation Service Works
From your initial enquiry to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, AccoFirm manages every step of the process. Most formations are complete within one business day.
Free Consultation & Structure Assessment
We discuss your property portfolio, investment goals, and tax position in a free 30-minute call. Our specialist advises on the optimal company structure — SPV, standard limited company, or LLP — and models the tax benefit for your specific circumstances.
Company Name & Structure Agreed
We check your preferred company name against the Companies House register and confirm availability. We then agree on the share structure, director appointments, and the appropriate SIC code — critical for future mortgage applications.
Document Preparation & KYC
We prepare your Memorandum and Articles of Association, complete AML identity verification (Know Your Client) for all directors and shareholders, and finalise your application within our secure client portal. No paperwork or in-person visits required.
Companies House Submission
As an authorised agent, we submit your application directly to Companies House. For standard formation, approval typically arrives within 24 hours. Same-day formation is available for urgent requirements. You receive all company documents by email upon registration.
HMRC Registration & Post-Formation Setup
We register your company for Corporation Tax with HMRC, obtain your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), and provide introductions to business bank account partners — with fast-track account opening available. Your company is ready to trade, and to approach mortgage lenders, from day one.
What You Receive
- Certificate of Incorporation (digital + hard copy)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Share certificates for all shareholders
- Companies House authentication code
- HMRC UTR & Corporation Tax reference
- 12-month London registered office address
- Director service addresses (privacy protected)
- Access to business banking introductions
- Post-formation tax planning session (30 mins)
Ongoing Compliance — Optional Add-On
Once formed, your company has annual statutory obligations: a Confirmation Statement, Corporation Tax return, and annual accounts. AccoFirm offers a fully managed ongoing compliance service from £89/month — keeping your company compliant and your property finances clean throughout the year.
Enquire About Ongoing SupportComprehensive Property Accounting Services for London Landlords
Company formation is just the beginning. AccoFirm provides the full spectrum of accounting, tax, and compliance services to support your property company throughout its lifecycle.
Property Company Bookkeeping
Monthly reconciliation of rental income, mortgage payments, and property expenses. Real-time access via Xero or QuickBooks. HMRC-compliant records maintained year-round — making your Corporation Tax return straightforward and accurate.
Annual Statutory Accounts
Preparation and filing of your limited company's annual accounts with Companies House, prepared to FRS 105 (micro-entity) or FRS 102 standards as applicable — ensuring full compliance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Corporation Tax Returns
Accurate CT600 preparation and filing, capturing all allowable property expenses, capital allowances, and interest deductions. We identify every legal avenue to minimise your Corporation Tax liability before each filing deadline.
Capital Gains Tax Planning
When disposing of a property held within your company, careful CGT planning is essential. We calculate your liability, advise on available reliefs including Business Asset Disposal Relief where applicable, and ensure HMRC reporting deadlines are met.
Making Tax Digital (MTD) Compliance
HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — mandated from April 2026 for landlords with income over £50,000 — will fundamentally change quarterly reporting requirements. We ensure your property company is fully prepared and compliant well ahead of the deadline.
Director's Loan Account Management
Managing funds flowing between you personally and your property company requires meticulous record-keeping. Our accountants maintain clean director's loan accounts and advise on optimal timing of drawings to minimise personal tax exposure.
What London Property Investors Say About AccoFirm
AccoFirm set up my SPV in less than 24 hours and made sure the SIC code was exactly what my mortgage broker needed. I'd wasted two months trying to fix a badly formed company I'd set up online — wish I'd come here first.
As an overseas investor purchasing a buy-to-let in London, I was worried the process would be complicated. The team handled everything remotely, including my AML verification, and I received all documents digitally within a day. Exceptional service.
The free tax consultation before I formed the company saved me from a costly mistake — my accountant at AccoFirm explained why I shouldn't transfer my existing properties into the SPV and advised me to use it only for new purchases. Brilliant advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our London Company Formation Service
Our specialists answer the questions London landlords ask most frequently when considering company formation for property investment.
Ask Our SpecialistsA company formation service in London is a professional service that registers your limited company with Companies House on your behalf. Unlike self-registration, a specialist accountant-led service ensures your company is structured correctly — with the right SIC code, Articles of Association, and HMRC registrations — particularly important for property investors and buy-to-let landlords whose company structure must satisfy mortgage lender requirements.
London landlords use a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) limited company because it allows full deduction of mortgage interest as a business expense — unlike personal ownership, which has been restricted by Section 24 since 2020. Additionally, rental profits within a company are subject to Corporation Tax (19–25%) rather than personal Income Tax at up to 45%, providing significant savings for higher-rate taxpayers. An SPV also provides asset protection and facilitates future portfolio growth and succession planning.
Once we have all required information and KYC documentation, we submit your application to Companies House the same working day. Standard Companies House processing takes approximately 24 hours, meaning most clients receive their Certificate of Incorporation the following business day. Same-day formation is available for urgent requirements upon request.
Buy-to-let mortgage lenders typically require your SPV to hold SIC code 68100 (Buying and selling of own real estate) or 68209 (Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate). The correct code depends on your intended activity. Choosing the wrong SIC code at formation is one of the most common and costly mistakes — it can invalidate your lender's offer. Our specialists select the correct code based on your specific investment strategy as part of our standard service.
Technically yes, but it is rarely straightforward. Transferring personally-owned property into a limited company is treated as a disposal for Capital Gains Tax purposes (you may be liable on any gains since purchase) and also triggers Stamp Duty Land Tax at the prevailing rate, including the 3% surcharge. In many cases, these transfer costs outweigh the tax benefits until your time horizon is sufficiently long. Our specialists provide a personalised cost-benefit analysis before you make any decision.
Every UK limited company must have a registered office address — a physical UK address where Companies House and HMRC can send official correspondence. This address appears on the public register. Using your home address exposes it publicly. AccoFirm provides a Central London registered office address as part of all our formation packages, ensuring full compliance whilst protecting your privacy.
Yes. There is no requirement for UK nationality or residency to form and operate a UK limited company. AccoFirm assists international clients throughout the process, managing enhanced Anti-Money Laundering due diligence, providing a UK registered office address, handling HMRC Non-Resident Landlord Scheme registration, and delivering all documentation digitally. Our service is fully accessible to overseas clients without any requirement to visit the UK.
Our company formation packages are priced transparently with no hidden fees. Package pricing depends on the company structure required and additional services included. Please contact us for a personalised quote — most London property company formations are completed at a competitive fixed fee that is typically recovered in a fraction of the Corporation Tax savings in year one alone.
Form Your London Property Company Today
Join over 850 London landlords and property investors who have used AccoFirm's specialist company formation service to protect their assets and maximise their tax efficiency.
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligation. Speak to a qualified specialist — not a salesperson.