In the realm of property development, the proper business structure is akin to the foundation of a well-constructed building – it forms the basis upon which success is built. Choosing the appropriate business structure for your property development venture is not merely a matter of legal formalities; it profoundly impacts your profitability, taxation, liability, and overall business viability.
You can retain ownership individually, through an onshore or offshore company, or by entrusting a trust to hold the company’s shares on your behalf. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and various factors must be carefully considered before arriving at your decision.
Understanding the Landscape
Property development in the modern era is a multifaceted venture involving complex financial transactions, regulatory compliance, and intricate project management.
As you seek to outrank competitors in this dynamic industry, it is imperative to consider the nuances of business structuring. The key questions that need to be addressed before legal structuring are:
- What is the size of the project and the partners or shareholders involved?
- What is your objective or intention- holding, selling or a combination of both?
- Have you covered the tax implications by setting up trusts, holding companies or separate SPV for each development project?
Sole Proprietorship
In a sole proprietorship, you assume full ownership of the business, affording you simplicity and absolute control.
However, it also entails exposing your personal assets to unlimited liability, putting them at risk in cases of business debts or legal matters.
We will discuss in details its advantages and disadvantages below:
ADVANTAGES
Simplicity
Setting up a sole proprietorship is relatively straightforward. Fewer legal formalities are involved compared to establishing a limited company.
Direct Control
As a sole proprietor, you have direct control over the business decisions without needing shareholder consensus.
Tax Flexibility
Profits are typically taxed as personal income, which can be advantageous if you’re in a lower tax bracket.
Lower Costs
The cost of setting up and maintaining a sole proprietorship is generally lower than that of a limited company.
DISADVANTAGES
Unlimited Liability
The owner has unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts and liabilities in a sole proprietorship. It puts personal assets at risk.
Limited Access to Capital
Sole proprietors have limited access to funding sources compared to limited companies.
Limited Growth Potential
The available resources and expertise might limit the scalability of a sole proprietorship or partnership.
Being a Sole Trader opens potential legal issues as you will be personally liable. It means you will be responsible for any losses and debts owed. However, this also means that all the profits belong to the individual. You must register as self-employed with HMRC and submit an annual Self-Assessment Tax Return.
Being self-employed also means that you will either pay Class 2 or 4 of National Insurance. It is dependent on the level of profits your business is making.
Partnership
A partnership is an arrangement where two or more persons join intending to earn the profit from the property development. They agree to share the capital, skill, and risk for which they draw up a partnership agreement.
Like the sole proprietorship, it is simple to set up, and each partner knows where they stand with each other, ensuring transparency.
Moreover, there is confidentiality as there are not too many parties involved, and the regulatory landscape is not too stringent compared to the Limited Company.
The downside is that the partners share unlimited liabilities, which is a significant risk they take on. Raising extra capital for the Partnership setup is challenging as it is not a recognised legal entity.
Further, if any partners leave, the partnership can be dissolved; hence, they might have to form a new partnership to keep the project afloat.
Still Unsure About Your UK Business Structure? Explore Our Article on “Partnership vs. Limited Company and Make Informed Decisions”.
Limited Company
Limited company gives the owners more legal protection and limited liability than a sole trader or partnership. The limited liability and legal protection a company offers are of utmost importance as the potential for significant financial losses is high in this sector.
Any profits the company makes are taxed within the company at corporation tax rates (19% or 25%), which is lower than the highest marginal tax rate for an individual (45%).
Net earnings after tax can be distributed or retained for future growth. This structure provides flexibility as the Limited company can provide salaries or dividends to the individual shareholders. The individual shareholders are then subject to income tax on the salary or the dividend they receive.
ADVANTAGES
Limited Liability
A limited company’s primary benefit lies in providing limited liability protection. Generally, shareholders are not held personally responsible for the company’s debts and obligations.
Access to Funding
Limited companies have better access to funding sources such as bank loans, venture capital, and equity investment.
Separation of Assets
The company’s assets and liabilities are separate from its owners, enhancing asset protection.
Credibility
Operating as a limited company can enhance your business’s credibility and reputation in the eyes of clients, investors, and partners.
Tax Efficiency
Limited companies have more options for tax planning, including taking advantage of corporate tax rates and deductions.
DISADVANTAGES
Complexity
Limited companies require more administrative work, including formal registration, regular reporting, and compliance with company law.
Higher Costs
Setting up and running a limited company involves higher costs, such as registration and professional fees for legal and accounting services.
Dilution in Control
Decision-making in a limited company involves shareholders, potentially leading to more complex governance.
Read our Comprehensive Guide on” Incorporating a New Company in the UK”. Start Your Business Journey Now.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
Property developers often use Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) companies to cater to specific purposes in property development & usually set up a new SPV company for each property they develop.
The graphic above shows that a property developer company forms three different SPVs for each property development project. It helps to provide flexibility in terms of the following:
Limited Liability
SPV is incorporated as a separate company, with liability limited for each project. In case any project fails, it is unlikely to affect other Projects.
Further, any injury claims made in Project A will be limited to SPV1 only, and the Group Company, SPV2 & SPV3, would not be exposed to such claims.
Joint Venture
SPVs are limited liability companies made up of shares, providing the flexibility to form joint ventures with other parties and share the profits generated.
If a developer company wants to develop Project C partnering with another company, it will give the shares of SPV 3 and initiate the property development for Project C. It would not have to forge the shares of the group company as well as SPV1 & SPV2.
Financing
SPV structure provides flexibility in terms of financing as a new investor can be onboarded to the property development project by offering the shares of SPV thereby easing the liquidity to keep the project going.
Taxation
In the UK, companies do not pay tax on dividends, and UK corporate shareholders typically do not face corporation tax when they receive dividends from other UK companies.
Therefore, choosing to distribute profits in this manner is generally a straightforward and tax-efficient approach.
Joint Venture
A Joint Venture is a common arrangement in which two or more parties come together to undertake the property development, sharing the costs & profits of the project.
Each party contribute different resources, i.e. capital & land, to the project.
The Joint Venture Agreement is a crucial document in this partnership, outlining the allocation of risks, expenses, and costs.
Additionally, it delineates the roles and responsibilities of each party involved and establishes a plan of action in case the property fails to sell.
This structure is advantageous for projects where one partner owns land or properties but lacks the necessary capital for development and expertise. A joint venture effectively spreads the risk and allows you to form a legal and practical partnership with the right individuals or companies.
The Joint venture agreement in property development is called a co-developer agreement, which outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of each co-developer in the joint venture.
Explore Our Comprehensive guide” Property Tax Guide for Landlords and Property Investors” . Your Roadmap to Financial Success in Real Estate.
Conclusion -Tailoring the Business Structure to Your Needs
The key to outranking the competition lies in choosing the right business structure for property development that aligns with your goals, resources, and risk tolerance.
Your decision should be based on carefully analysing your property development venture’s requirements.
Risk Management
A limited company structure is often preferred to safeguard your personal assets and minimise personal liability. Further, creating SPV’s for each individual project minimise the risk for Group company & other SPV’s within the group.
Tax Efficiency
Evaluate your tax obligations and financial goals. A limited company may offer tax advantages in certain circumstances but also entails compliance responsibilities.
Capital Requirements
Consider the scale of your property development projects. A light redevelopment project such as refurbishment would require low funding, whereas the ground-up development or heavy renovation would require long-term arrangements & financing over a long term.
If substantial funding is needed, a limited company or joint venture with another company provides better access to capital through share issuance.
Long-Term Vision
Reflect on your long-term plans for growth and expansion. A limited company offers scalability and a professional image.
