Structured Guidance for Overseas Buyers

Birchmore Ltd works with clients based both in the UK and internationally. We understand that purchasing UK property from overseas involves additional considerations, including legal, tax, banking and regulatory requirements.

Our role is to provide a structured introduction process and connect overseas purchasers with appropriately qualified professionals who can assist throughout the transaction.  While Birchmore Ltd does not provide legal or tax advice, we work alongside established, regulated advisers to ensure international buyers are properly supported.

Legal Representation

All purchasers are required to instruct a UK solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

An SRA-regulated solicitor will:

• Review contracts and title documentation
• Advise on lease structure
• Handle exchange and completion
• Submit Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns
• Ensure compliance with UK property law

This ensures every overseas buyer receives independent, regulated legal advice tailored to their individual circumstances.

Accounting and Tax Support

International investors may be subject to UK tax reporting obligations, including:

• UK income tax on rental income
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on disposal
• Registration under the Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) Scheme
• Corporation tax considerations (where purchasing via a company structure

Birchmore Ltd maintains professional relationships with accredited UK-based accountants and tax advisers, as well as trusted overseas accounting partners, who can assist with:

• UK tax registration
• Ongoing rental income reporting
• Structuring advice (personal vs company ownership)
• Double taxation considerations
• Annual compliance requirements

All accounting advice is provided independently by qualified professionals regulated in their respective jurisdictions.

Banking and Currency Considerations

Overseas buyers often require assistance with:

• Opening a UK bank account
• Currency exchange planning
• International fund transfers
• Anti-money laundering documentation

We work with established partners experienced in supporting international clients with cross-border transactions.

All buyers must comply with UK anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and provide verified source of funds documentation prior to completion.

Property Management for Overseas Owners

For international investors, professional management is particularly important.  The majority of the PBSA opportunities we introduce are operated by experienced, specialist student accommodation management companies with structured reporting systems and on-site operational teams.

This allows overseas investors to maintain a hands-off ownership model while receiving:

• Rental statements
• Occupancy updates
• Maintenance reporting
• Annual summaries for tax purposes

Clear Process, Professional Support

Our international support framework is designed to ensure:

Independent legal advice

Accredited accounting guidance
Regulatory compliance
Transparent transaction processes
Ongoing operational oversight

While no investment is without risk, working with regulated professionals at each stage provides structure and clarity for overseas purchasers.

Important Notice

Birchmore Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and does not provide financial, tax or investment advice.

All purchasers must obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice appropriate to their jurisdiction and personal circumstances before proceeding with any property transaction.