Property company acquisition
Buying the shares of a company that owns property rather than the property itself.
Professional analysis
Share purchases attract stamp duty at 0.5% on shares rather than SDLT on the property, but buyers inherit latent capital gains, liabilities and history. Full legal, tax and financial due diligence, warranties and indemnities are essential. Check Companies House filings, charges, PSCs and accounts. Lenders' change-of-control clauses may apply.
Capital requirements
Share price plus due diligence costs.
Cost assumptions to budget for
- Due diligence (legal, tax, accounts)
- 0.5% stamp duty on shares
- Warranty and indemnity insurance
Potential returns
Depends on net asset value vs price and the latent tax position.
Main risks
- Hidden liabilities
- Latent tax on gains
- Lender change-of-control default
Legal checks
- Share purchase agreement with warranties
- Charges and lender consents
Regulatory checks
- Companies House filings; PSC register
- ATED if residential property over £500,000 is held (reliefs may apply but returns are still required)
Is it suitable?
Often suits
- Sophisticated buyers with advisers
Usually not suitable for
- Buyers without professional advisers
A general guide, not a personal recommendation. Suitability depends on your finances, experience and attitude to risk.
Step-by-step
- Search the company on Plotlumen's Companies House tool.
- Request accounts, leases and title list.
- Instruct legal and tax due diligence.
- Negotiate SPA protections.
Financial calculations
Portfolio summary
- ⚠ Lenders assess portfolios on aggregate and per-property interest cover at stressed rates.
Every figure above comes from the assumptions you entered. This is not a valuation, mortgage offer or financial advice.
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Official sources
Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026. Rules change — check the source before relying on this guide.
Not advice