Buy-to-Let Taxes in 2025: Tips, Facts and FAQs for Landlords
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Over the years of working in the property investment space, I have witnessed how quickly taxes can decide whether or not a landlord succeeds.
Ignoring one can lower your earnings but knowing them can help you keep ahead and save money right now.
Whether it’s managing income tax on your rental earnings, planning for capital gains when you sell, or tackling stamp duty when you buy, these taxes are part and parcel of buy-to-let investing.


But the good news is, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can minimise their impact on your portfolio.
From managing rental income tax to planning for capital gains when selling, there’s always a way to make taxes work smarter, not harder, for your investment goals.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buy-to-let taxes in 2025, with practical advice, clear examples and strategies to keep your portfolio growing.
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What Are Buy-to-Let Taxes?
Buy-to-let investments in the UK will have specific taxes that every landlord must be aware of in 2025. The major ones are quickly summarised here:
Income Tax
This is a tax on the profit you make from renting out your property. Profit is calculated as your total rental income minus allowable expenses like repairs, insurance, and letting agent fees.
The amount you pay depends on your overall income and falls into one of three brackets: 20% for basic-rate taxpayers, 40% for higher-rate taxpayers, and 45% for additional-rate taxpayers.

Inheritance Tax (IHT)
This tax applies when your estate, including any buy-to-let properties, is passed on after your death. IHT is charged at 40% on the portion of your estate that exceeds £325,000 for individuals or £650,000 for couples.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
When you sell a buy-to-let property for more than you paid for it, the profit is subject to CGT. The rates are 18% for those who pay basic tax and 28% for those who pay higher tax.
You can earn up to £6,000 tax-free if you're an individual, or £12,000 if you're part of a couple, each tax year.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
SDLT is charged when you purchase property in England or Northern Ireland. For additional properties, like buy-to-lets, there’s an extra 3% surcharge on top of standard SDLT rates.
For example, buying a £300,000 property would incur £11,500 in SDLT.
Quick Fact
Notably, 88.1% of these landlords claimed allowable expenses, highlighting the importance of understanding deductions to manage tax liabilities effectively.
Understanding these taxes isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about strategy. With smart planning, you can reduce liabilities, claim allowances, and keep your property investments profitable.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at each tax in detail—what they are, how much you’ll pay, and how to save.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Do You Pay Tax on Buy-to-Let Property Income?
Yes, you do. Rental income is taxable and counts toward your overall earnings. The tax you pay depends on your total income, including any salary, and is calculated after deducting allowable expenses.
(for income up to £50,000)
(£50,001–£150,000)
(above £150,000)
Repairs, such as fixing broken plumbing.
Landlord insurance and service charges.
Letting agent fees for tenant management.
Professional fees for legal or tax advice
You own a rental property in Liverpool with an average monthly rent of £950, bringing in £11,400 annually.
After deducting £2,500 in allowable expenses (agent fees, insurance, and maintenance), your taxable income is £8,900.
If you earn a salary of £30,000, your total income remains within the basic tax rate band, meaning you’ll pay 20% tax on the rental profit (£1,780 in this case).
Knowing your allowable deductions is essential to reduce your tax bill.
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What Is Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on Buy-to-Let Properties?
In the UK, when you sell a buy-to-let property for a profit, you are required to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the gain.
This is a crucial factor for property investors to consider, especially given the strong growth in UK property values in recent years.
The combination of rising property prices and the demand for rental properties has made the UK an attractive market for both rental income and capital appreciation.
However, understanding your CGT obligations is essential for effective financial planning.
If your total income (salary + rental profit + any other income) stays within the basic income tax band (£50,000 or less), you’ll pay 18% CGT on your taxable gain.
If your total income exceeds £50,000, any taxable capital gains are charged at 24%.
(if jointly owned)

Let’s say you bought a property in Manchester for £150,000 in 2018 and sold it in 2025 for £220,000.
You’ve spent £8,000 on renovations and £4,000 on sale-related fees.
Your gain is £58,000 (£220,000 – £150,000 – £8,000 – £4,000).
After applying the £6,000 CGT allowance, the taxable gain is £52,000.
If you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, you’ll owe 24% CGT, which totals £12,480.
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