Mark Alexander

Norwich

Investing in property since 1989 and founder of https://t.co/TiLZKn1t4i - background in property, law, tax, lettings and financial services

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Articles

Transferring & Reuniting Beneficial Interest: A Legal and Commercial Reality

2 weeks ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

Thousands of UK property owners — from landlords and entrepreneurs to families managing estates — transfer the beneficial interest in their properties each year without changing the legal title. These transactions are frequently executed for practical, lawful reasons: estate planning, tax efficiency, business restructuring, succession arrangements, or joint ownership clarifications.
Inside the Property Training Debate: Samuel Leeds & Adam Lawrence Face Off

1 month ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

A recent debate between well-known property trainer Samuel Leeds and investor-commentator Adam Lawrence has sparked renewed interest—and controversy—across the landlord community. In a wide-ranging and candid exchange, the two clash on everything from the ethics of property training to the role of social media in shaping public perception of the sector.
Mortgage Broker Article on Incorporation Relief Misses Critical Warnings

1 month ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

Two landlords have recently brought to our attention a blog published by MF Brokers, written by Sean Hughes of Comprehensive Tax Planning. The article provides a surface-level overview of Incorporation Relief but omits crucial technical guidance found in professional tax literature and HMRC’s own manuals.
Why the US Rental Market is Miles Ahead of the UK - But Could It Work Here?

1 month ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

After owning a holiday home in Florida for nearly 20 years, my wife and I recently decided it was time for a change. We loved our time there, but the world is a big place, and we wanted to explore more of it. The USA still has plenty of places we’d love to visit, and while we’re also keen to experience the Far East—Japan, Singapore, and the Thai islands are high on our list—we’d still like to return to the States for up to six months at a time every few years. The problem?
Rent to Serviced Accommodation Upper Tier Tribunal decision appealed by Sonder

2 months ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

The Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA) Upper Tier Tribunal decision appealed by Sonder is leaving hundreds of operators in a quandary of what to do next.
Is the British Pound Being Herded to the Cliff Edge - Property118

2 months ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

The British pound is holding its own against the US dollar and the euro—but should it be? Given the economic chaos inflicted by Labour’s reckless policies, it makes no sense that sterling hasn’t plummeted. Are global financial players keeping the pound artificially afloat, only to let it drop off a cliff when it suits their agenda? The reality of Britain’s economic situation is dire.
How and Why Sonder Europe Ltd Might Justify Taking Their Serviced Accommodation VAT Case to the Supreme Court

2 months ago | property118.com | Mark Alexander

The recent Upper Tribunal ruling in HMRC v Sonder Europe Ltd has sent shockwaves through the serviced accommodation sector. By disqualifying Sonder from using the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS), the decision imposes a heavy VAT burden on their operations and those of similar businesses. While this ruling creates immediate financial and operational challenges, many are now asking: could Sonder Europe appeal to the Supreme Court? Appealing to the Supreme Court is no small task.
Holiday Let Crunch: Why VAT Could Lead to Fewer Choices and Higher Costs for Travellers

Jan 24, 2025 | property118.com | Mark Alexander

If you’ve been enjoying affordable and flexible holiday lets in recent years, prepare for a potential shake-up. The recent HMRC v Sonder Europe Ltd ruling by the Upper Tribunal has sent shockwaves through the serviced accommodation industry. This decision redefines how VAT applies to businesses renting and subletting properties as holiday lets—and the fallout could directly impact holidaymakers. From reduced availability to rising costs, here’s why your next holiday may look very different.
Practical Guidance for Property Owners with “Guaranteed Rent” Agreements

Jan 23, 2025 | property118.com | Mark Alexander

If you’ve let your property to a serviced accommodation provider who promised “guaranteed rent,” the recent VAT ruling in HMRC v Sonder Europe Ltd could significantly impact your arrangement. Here’s how you can protect yourself and navigate this changing landscape:Serviced accommodation providers using the Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA) model may now face increased VAT liabilities, not just on future revenue but also on backdated VAT assessments.
VAT Time Bomb for Property Investors Following Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA) Business Models

Jan 21, 2025 | property118.com | Mark Alexander

For years, the Rent to Serviced Accommodation (R2SA) business model has been championed as a low-cost entry point into property investment. Promoted heavily by property education courses, this strategy involved leasing residential properties, forming Limited Companies, and subletting those properties as short-term lets under the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS). However, the recent HMRC v Sonder Europe Ltd Upper Tribunal ruling has turned this model into a potential financial disaster.