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Limited Company Share Purchase

Welcome to Advocate Finance,  your trusted mortgage broker for investment mortgages.

Discover the benefits of using a Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage to acquire limited companies holding buy-to-let properties.

This specialised mortgage option can help you grow your property portfolio while offering significant tax savings, particularly on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

What we cover on this page

What is a Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage?

Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage is a tailored mortgage product designed to support investors in acquiring the shares in limited companies that own buy-to-let properties.
 
Instead of purchasing the property directly, you are buying the shares of the company that holds the property.
 
This approach enables investors to benefit from unique SDLT advantages, as the transaction is taxed as a share purchase rather than a property acquisition, often resulting in substantial savings.
 
The financial benefits relate to companies that hold residential properties, as the stamp duty rates for investors currently range from 7% to 17% where as the stamp duty on share transfers is just 0.5%
 
There are potential savings on non-domestic, mixed-use and commercial properties, but because the stamp duty range is 2% to 5% the stamp duty savings are much less, and when other costs are considered, it tends to be less of a business case, and a straightforward property purchase could be a better option
 
 

Key Features: Limited Company Share Purchase

  • Mortgage Range: Mortgages from £100,000 to £50 million; subject to affordability and credit criteria
  • Loan to Values: up to 75% (100% with cross charges)
  • Mortgage Term: 1 to 30 years
  • Payment Options: Interest only / Capital repayment
  • Purpose: Purchase
  • Income Requirements: No minimum outside income / All income types
  • All Credit Histories: High Net Worth to Credit Repair
  • All Property Tenures: Freehold / Leasehold (no minimum term)
  • All Residential Tenants: Working, Students, LHA benefits
  • All Residential and Business Tenancies: AST to Corporate Leases
  • All Business Tenants: No restrictions on industry / sector
  • EPC-Enhanced Products: Available

Potential SDLT Savings Explained

A key advantage of a Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage is the potential for reduced Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
 
When purchasing residential properties directly, SDLT is charged on the full market value, with an additional 5% surcharge for buy-to-let or second homes. However, when you acquire a limited company via its shares, the transaction is subject to Stamp Duty on Shares—a flat rate of just 0.5%.
 
This creates a significant cost-saving opportunity, particularly for high-value property portfolios.

Comparison of SDLT Costs

In this example, using a Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage to acquire shares instead of the property itself results in an SDLT saving of £37,500.

Scenario

Property Value

SDLT Liability

Stamp Duty on Shares

Savings

Direct Property Purchase (B2L)

£500,000

£40,000 (including 5% surcharge)

N/A

£0

Limited Company Share Purchase

£500,000

N/A

£2,500

£37,500

How to Access a Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage

At Advocate Finance, we specialise in arranging Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgages.

These products are offered by lenders who understand the unique structure of buying shares in property-holding companies.

Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you maximize the benefits of this innovative approach.

Steps to Securing an Investment Mortgage

Step 1
Initial Consultation with Mortgage Broker

Begin with a consultation with one of our friendly mortgage brokers to discuss your investment goals, property details, and financial situation.

We will assess your needs and recommend suitable finance options.

Step 2
Loan Application

We will submit a detailed loan application, including financial statements & property details etc. Our broker team will guide you through the documentation required by lenders.

Step 3
Property Valuation

A professional valuation will be conducted to determine the property's market value, including both residential and commercial elements. This is a critical step in the mortgage application process.

Step 4
Approval, Legal & Funding

Once approved, solicitors will be instructed to carry out any legal formalities. This can be as quick as a week (if Title Insurance is used on refinance cases). Once this stage is completed funds will be released.

Benefits of Limited Company Share Purchase

Advantages of Ltd Co Share Purchase Mortgages

Disadvantages of Ltd Co Share Purchase Mortgages

Potential Stamp Duty tax savings, which can be tens of thousands 

Limited amount of lenders, which could mean slightly higher interest rates but once the shares are purchase, then a refinance to a cheaper lender could take place subject to early repayment charges

Portfolio purchases of larger portfolios can be possible, and obtaining not only a bulk discount on the purchase price but also a saving on the stamp duty

If the discount is significant, then a bridging loan may be required before refinancing to a long-term mortgage lender

Why Choose Advocate Finance?

Expertise and Experience:

  • At Advocate Finance, we have proven experience in arranging Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgages
  • Our team of experienced mortgage brokers have extensive knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with these types of properties. We understand the intricacies of the market and can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.
  • If speed is essential to the transaction, our advisers will prioritise your case to ensure deadlines are met.
 

Tailored Financial Solutions:

  • Solutions designed to suit your investment goals.
  • Expert guidance on SDLT and share-based transactions.
  • We recognise that every client has unique financial goals and requirements. Our approach is highly personalised, ensuring that we offer tailored financial solutions that align with your investment strategy. Whether you are looking to purchase, refinance, or raise capital, we have the right mortgage product for you.
 

Competitive Fee Structure

 

Comprehensive Range of Services:

  • Advocate Finance offers a wide array of mortgage products and services. From bridging loans and refurbishment loans to long-term buy to let financing options, we cover all aspects of property finance. Our comprehensive service range means you can find all the financial solutions you need under one roof.
  • Efficient and reliable – Known for our rapid response and dependable service, we ensure timely financial solutions. Our experienced team of mortgage brokers provide professional advice to help you navigate your semi-commercial mortgage options, ensuring you make well-informed decisions.

FAQs on Limited Company Share Purchase

This type of mortgage helps reduce SDLT costs by taxing the transaction as a share purchase rather than a property purchase, often leading to significant savings.

See our case study here detailing how our client saved over £60,000!

Yes, you can refinance properties already owned by a limited company. However, the Limited Company Share Purchase Mortgage applies specifically to acquiring shares in a company holding properties.

Yes, due diligence is essential to identify any hidden liabilities within the company, such as unpaid taxes or legal disputes. Professional advice is crucial.

Most lenders cater to standard residential buy-to-let properties, but there are options for HMOs, commercial properties, and mixed-use developments.

This mortgage is most beneficial for high-value transactions where SDLT savings outweigh the costs associated with purchasing a limited company.

That being said, we see limited company share purchases becoming more common with BTL investors – we’ve explained here the reasons why.

Yes they do, as they are more complex. You can read more in our detailed post here

Yes – It is not limited to individual applicants buying the shares in a limited company. Another company can be used as the legal entity to acquire another companies shares.

This method could in some circumstances be even beneficial from a tax perspective, but please refer to your accountant / tax adviser to obtain advice on the most tax efficient way forward.

Our advisers offer a FREE consultation, so please give us a call or use the “Get in Touch With Us” form at the end of this page.

Ready To Take The Next Step?
Get in touch today to explore your options for
Limited Company Share Purchase

Our expert team of mortgage brokers are here to guide you through every stage of the process.