Maximising Your Property Investments

Wed 11 Jun 2025

Shyam Mistry, Operations and Business Development Manager

On 04 June 2025, Phillip Shaw Ltd hosted a buzzing event, “Maximising Your Property Investment: Insights & Networking,” bringing together landlords, investors, and developers for an evening of expert advice and networking. Held at the Garden Marquee of Namaste Lounge in Northwood, the event featured three industry speakers who shared actionable tips and trends for 2025. If you attended, you know it was a night of lively discussion (and even a bit of money raised for charity!). If not, don’t worry – here’s a recap of the key insights from each speaker.

Local Market Trends & Landlord Strategies – Akhil Shah (Phillip Shaw Estate Agents)

Akhil kicked off the evening with an overview of the local sales and rental market, painting a picture of a property landscape influenced by interest rates and strong rental demand. He noted that while property prices have seen some cooling in recent months, quality homes are still attracting keen buyers. On the rental side, demand remains high – great news for landlords looking to maximise rental yields in the current market, though rising costs and regulations mean profits aren’t guaranteed.

A focus of Akhil’s talk was the upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill and its potential effects on landlords. He explained that this legislation (expected to become law by mid-2025) will “reshape tenancy rules”, strengthening tenant rights and upping compliance requirements for landlords. Key changes on the horizon include the abolition of “no-fault” Section 21 evictions – meaning landlords will need a valid reason to end a tenancy – and limits on rent increases once per year in line with market rates. All tenancies are set to become periodic (rolling), giving tenants more flexibility to leave, which in turn means landlords must plan for shorter notice periods. Akhil acknowledged that many landlords are concerned about these changes but urged a proactive approach: “Don’t panic – prepare.”

He went on to share practical strategies for landlords to thrive despite these shifts:

Explore Regional Investment Opportunities: If local yields are tightening, consider expanding your search. Akhil highlighted how other regions (outside of London) may offer better rental yields or growth potential. A bit of geographical diversification can boost your portfolio’s performance, especially into the Northern England and the Midlands.
Stay Ahead on Compliance: With new rules coming in, from the Renters’ Reform Bill to energy efficiency standards, landlords should get ahead of the curve. Akhil advised reviewing your properties now for any upgrades or policy changes needed. Being compliance-ready – whether it’s preparing for the end of Section 21 or ensuring your property meets upcoming EPC requirements – will save headaches and costs down the line.
Leverage Sourcing Services: Phillip Shaw Estate Agents introduced their new property sourcing service, designed to help investors find high-potential properties. Akhil explained that this service can uncover off-market deals and regional gems, which is especially useful if you’re short on time or local knowledge. It’s one more way to maximise your investment by getting expert help in finding the right property at the right price.

Throughout his talk, Akhil’s message was encouraging. Yes, the market and regulations are changing, but with smart strategy – from broadening your investment horizons to staying informed and compliant – landlords can continue to prosper. “It’s about adapting to the new normal,” he said, reminding everyone that property remains a resilient, long-term game.

Bridging Finance for Flexibility – Charles Creak (KSEYE)

Next up was Charles from KSEYE, who shone a spotlight on bridging loans as a flexible financing tool for property investors. In an insightful segment, Charles demystified non-regulated bridging finance – short-term loans that can bridge funding gaps or seize opportunities when traditional mortgages aren’t suitable.

KSEYE’s Bridging Loans at a Glance: Charles noted that KSEYE offers bridging loans ranging from £150,000 up to £50 million, giving options for projects of virtually any size. Their lending criteria are famously flexible:

They work with both UK residents and foreign nationals, meaning overseas investors are welcome.
They lend on almost all property types – whether it’s a single flat, a multi-unit block, commercial property, or land with planning, KSEYE can likely finance it. Even niche cases like HMOs, new builds, or listed buildings can be considered under their bespoke approach.
Because these loans are unregulated (for business purposes rather than homeowner mortgages), the process is streamlined, and decisions are case-by-case. That translates to quicker turnaround and fewer rigid rules – a breath of fresh air for investors who need speed.

Charles then walked us through the practical uses of bridging finance, illustrating each with real-world scenarios. Here are the highlights of when and why a short-term bridge loan can be a game-changer:

Speedy Purchases: Need to move fast? Bridging is your friend. Unlike conventional loans that can take months, bridging loans can often be arranged in weeks (or even days).
Releasing Capital: If you have equity tied up in an existing property, a bridge loan can quickly unlock that capital. Many landlords use bridging to raise funds (cash-out) from their portfolio – for instance, to put a deposit on another property, or to invest in renovations – without having to sell or refinance in the slow traditional way. Charles emphasised how KSEYE’s flexibility allows creative use of equity, giving investors breathing room or firepower for the next opportunity.
Property Development & Refurbishment: Bridging finance is often used to fund developments or heavy refurbishments. Traditional banks might shy away from projects that don’t fit the standard mold (e.g. a run-down property needing major works), but a bridge loan can fund the purchase and renovation costs. Once the works are completed and the property’s value is uplifted, investors can then refinance with a mainstream lender or sell for a profit. Charles highlighted success stories of clients who used bridging to transform properties and significantly boost their value.
Exit Strategies & Transition: Sometimes an investor’s money gets “stuck” – for example, a development finished late and the term on the original loan expired, or a buyer for a property fell through last minute. In these cases, a bridge can serve as an exit solution: a short-term refinance to pay off the old loan or to cover a gap until the property is sold. This buys time to secure a better long-term solution without fire-selling assets. Charles noted that bridging is commonly used as a safety net to bridge the gap between an immediate obligation and a forthcoming event (like a sale or a long-term refinance).

Overall, Charles Creak conveyed that bridging loans are all about flexibility and speed. His take-home advice was to “keep bridging finance in your toolbox” – it’s not for everyday use (and interest rates are higher than standard mortgages), but for the right situations, it can be a lifesaver that unlocks deals and solves problems that traditional financing can’t. He also reminded everyone to always have a clear exit plan for any bridge loan (know how and when you’ll repay it) because, while flexible, it’s still a short-term strategy.

Smart Tax Planning for Landlords – Jake Lew (BKL)

Our final speaker, Jake Lew of accounting firm BKL, dived into the ever-important topic of property tax. In a relatable and down-to-earth way (yes, even tax can be interesting!), Jake compared the pros and cons of holding property investments personally versus through a limited company and offered timely tips on inheritance and upcoming digital tax changes.

Personal vs. Company Ownership: Jake started by tackling a common question: Should you hold your buy-to-lets in your own name, or under a company? The answer, unsurprisingly, depends on your situation.

If you hold property personally, rental profits are taxed as personal income – which for many landlords means a 40% or 45% income tax rate, and the inability to deduct full mortgage interest (thanks to recent tax changes). However, selling a personally held property qualifies for capital gains allowances, and it’s simpler in terms of paperwork. When a residential property is disposed of, a CGT return needs to be filed within 60 days and any capital gains tax paid within the same timeframe.
If you use a limited company, the profit is subject to corporation tax (currently 25% where profits exceed £250k). This can be beneficial if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer and you plan to reinvest profits (since corporation tax can be lower than personal rates). Moreover, mortgage interest is fully deductible inside a company, which can significantly improve net yields for leveraged investors. But Jake cautioned that drawing money out of a company (as dividends or salary) then brings personal tax back into play – so if you need the rental income for living costs, some tax savings might be lost. He also mentioned that operating via a company comes with additional responsibilities (annual accounts, filings) and costs.

In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Jake’s advice was to crunch the numbers and consider your long-term goals. If you plan to keep scaling your portfolio and can leave profits rolling up in the company, a company structure might pay off. On the other hand, smaller landlords or those needing regular income may stick with personal ownership. Engaging a good property tax adviser to model scenarios can be invaluable before making the jump.

Jake also gave a reminder of the differences in repairs and capital improvements for tax purposes. In summary, if you’re just fixing what’s broken, it’s likely a repair (expense) and if you’re improving or upgrading, its likely a capital improvement (capitalised).

Inheritance Tax & Passing Down Property: One insightful segment of Jake’s talk was about inheritance tax (IHT) and planning for the future. Many landlords want to pass their properties to their children or family eventually, and Jake explained that how you hold assets (personally or via a company) affects this planning. For example, if you hold property in a company, you’re essentially passing on shares of the company rather than the property itself. This can open up strategies like gifting shares over time or using trust structures to slowly transfer ownership, potentially reducing IHT exposure. However, he stressed that IHT still applies to company shares, so having a company doesn’t eliminate estate taxes – you need a plan for that too.

Jake also pointed out that limited company ownership can complicate inheritance if not set up correctly. Without proper planning, your heirs might face hefty tax bills or difficulties accessing the property equity. The key takeaway was to start estate planning early. Whether through life insurance to cover IHT, gradually transferring ownership, or setting up its structure (like Family Investment Companies), proactive steps now can future proof your portfolio for the next generation.

Pitfalls of Incorporation Relief: A cautionary tale came up about landlords rushing to incorporate existing portfolios. Incorporation relief can, in theory, let you transfer properties into a company without immediate capital gains tax, but Jake warned of potential pitfalls. To qualify as a tax-free “incorporation,” your rental activity must be a genuine business (generally requiring 20 hours per week or more spent managing it). Without meeting strict conditions, transferring a property to a company is treated as a normal sale – triggering capital gains tax for you and stamp duty for the company on market value transfers. Even when relief applies, unexpected costs can arise. Jake shared that oftentimes landlords find the tax savings smaller than expected, and there can be drawbacks when selling later or passing the property to children if it’s in a company structure. His friendly advice: “Look before you leap into incorporation”. Always seek professional tax advice to navigate these rules, because unwinding a misstep can be costly.

Digital Taxes Are Coming: To wrap up, Jake gave everyone a heads-up about Making Tax Digital (MTD). From April 2026, many landlords will be required to keep digital records and file income tax updates quarterly instead of the old annual tax return. (This will start with landlords earning over £50,000, then extend to others later.) His tip: start preparing now. That means getting your record-keeping digital – using software or apps for your rents and expenses – and talking to your accountant about the changes. By embracing digital tools early, you’ll avoid a last-minute scramble and might even simplify your workflow. As Jake noted, a positive side to MTD is more up-to-date insight into your business finances, which savvy investors can use to their advantage.

In essence, Jake Lew’s session reminded us that smart tax planning can significantly boost your returns and safeguard your investments. Whether it’s choosing the right ownership structure, planning for inheritance, or complying with new tax rules, staying informed and proactive on the financial side is just as crucial as picking the right property.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Property Professionals in 2025

By the end of the event, attendees walked away not just with business cards and new connections, but with a clear sense of how to navigate the property landscape amid economic and regulatory shifts. The overarching theme was adaptability: the property investors who thrive in 2025 will be those who stay informed, embrace new tools, and plan ahead. Here’s a short wrap-up of practical action points inspired by our speakers’ insights:

Stay on Top of Regulation: Keep yourself updated on laws like the Renters’ Reform Bill and any local licensing or EPC requirements. Proactive compliance (for example, adjusting to the end of no-fault evictions or the new rent cap rules) will keep you profitable and out of trouble.
Optimise Your Portfolio Structure: Re-evaluate whether holding properties in your own name or via a company makes the most sense for your tax situation. Consult with a property tax advisor who can help model the outcomes. And if you’re thinking about incorporating your portfolio, get professional advice before you act to avoid tax pitfalls.
Plan for the Long Term (Including Inheritance): Future-proof your investments by considering succession plans. If you intend to pass properties to family, explore strategies now – such as gradual share transfers if using a company, or setting up trusts – to minimise inheritance tax and ensure a smooth transition.
Leverage Financing Tools Wisely: Keep an open mind to alternative financing like bridging loans for the right scenarios. Use bridging to seize time-sensitive deals or raise capital but always have a clear exit strategy. Also, regularly review your mortgage arrangements; with interest rates fluctuating, opportunities may arise to refinance or lock in a better deal.
Embrace Digital and Data: With Making Tax Digital on the horizon, adopt digital record-keeping and management tools for your properties. Not only will this keep you compliant with HMRC, but having up-to-date financial data will help you make informed decisions quickly. Similarly, tap into online resources (webinars, podcasts, forums) to keep learning – as Jake demonstrated by referencing the Business of Property podcast, staying educated is key.
Network and Collaborate: Continue attending events and networking with fellow professionals. Sharing experiences and tips (like those from Akhil, Charles, and Jake) can uncover new strategies and partnerships. Remember, property is a people business – the more you connect, the more you learn and the more opportunities you’ll find.

Finally, amid all the change, don’t lose sight of the fundamentals. Focus on good properties, treat your tenants fairly, keep an eye on the numbers, and adapt when the world around you changes. As the Maximising Your Property Investment event showed, 2025 is full of challenges and opportunities for property professionals. By staying informed and proactive, you can stay compliant, maximise your returns, and confidently future proof your portfolio for whatever comes next.

We hope these insights help you on your property journey. Here’s to your success and to making the most of your investments in 2025 and beyond!