If you’ve ever dipped your toe into the world of buy-to-let investing, you’ve probably heard about setting up an SPV—or Special Purpose Vehicle. Before I set mine up, I had a hundred questions. Do I really need one? How do I structure it properly? Is it worth the faff?
The truth is, if you’re buying investment property through a company rather than in your own name, an SPV is often the cleanest and most tax-efficient route. But as with anything in the property world, there’s more to it than just filling out a Companies House form and calling it a day.
I’m not an accountant or a solicitor, just a landlord who’s learned a lot the hard way. So this isn’t a technical breakdown—it’s a practical one. Here’s how I went about setting up my SPV, what I got right, what I wish I’d done differently, and what you might want to think about if you’re considering doing the same.
Setting It Up
When I made the decision to set up property spv limited company formation, I wanted it to be as future-proof as possible. I went with a private limited company structure, which is what most people use. It gave me flexibility, and importantly, it was something most buy-to-let mortgage lenders recognised.
I registered with Companies House and chose the right SIC code—68100, which is the standard code for property investment. I made sure the shareholding structure matched my future plans. At the time, it was just me, but I left room to bring in a partner later.
I also opened a separate bank account straight away. That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget in the early days when everything’s moving quickly. Having that clean separation between personal and business money has made accounting so much easier.
What to Watch Out For
Running a company, even one as simple as an SPV, comes with admin. You’ve got to file accounts, submit annual returns, and keep up with Corporation Tax and all that fun stuff. That’s why I decided to bring in an accountant who specialises in property. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s saved me more than I’ve paid.
Another thing: if you’re planning to grow your portfolio, think about how you structure ownership from the start. Some people go down the route of setting up multiple SPVs to keep things separate, especially if they’re working with different partners or focusing on different types of property. It’s not for everyone, but it’s something to keep in the back of your mind.
Conclusion
Looking back, I’m glad I made the move to set up property spv limited company. It’s given me more flexibility, a clearer financial picture, and—let’s be honest—far fewer surprises when it comes to tax season. But I’d also say this: don’t rush it. Speak to a tax adviser or an accountant who understands property. Think about your long-term goals. And don’t be afraid to ask the so-called “stupid” questions—because those are often the ones that matter most.
At the end of the day, structuring your SPV properly isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about setting yourself up for smoother growth, cleaner books, and fewer headaches as your portfolio expands. And trust me—your future self will thank you for it.
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