Real estate and property management
We act for a wide range of clients including property investors, landlords, developers, managing agents, estate agents and facilities management businesses.
Currently advising clients with residential, commercial and mixed-use portfolios large and small, Brebners bring extensive experience of the financial, operational and regulatory issues faced by the property sector.
We understand the challenges faced by real estate and property management businesses, including service charge accounting, VAT on property transactions, lease accounting, regulatory compliance, capital expenditure planning and the pressures of maintaining profitability in a changing market.
Why Choose Brebners
✔ Industry experience and expertise
Brebners have been supporting businesses in London since 1933 and now, from our Soho and Sevenoaks offices, act as trusted advisors to investment management, property, facilities management and estate agency businesses across London, Kent and the wider UK.
As members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales we uphold the highest standards.
Clients we currently act for include:
- A market leading real estate investment advisor specialising in commercial real estate debt, managing funds which have executed investments representing in excess of £3 billion of invested capital
- The UK arm of a leading international real estate investment and development business with assets under management in excess of £200m
- A real estate fund with £150m of commercial properties under management
- A leading firm who has created investment vehicles to acquire hotel assets across Europe
- A leading estate agency business with branches across the South East
- Numerous landlords of commercial and residential property, from small owner managed companies with a small portfolio of homes on their balance sheets, to subsidiaries of large international groups owning high value mixed-use blocks in prime London locations
✔ Wide-ranging support
We assist our real estate industry clients with matters such as:
- Funding (including introductions) and help with business plans
- Establishing and reviewing controls over finances
- Cash flow forecasting
- Detailed tax planning including capital allowances considerations
- VAT (and MTD)
- Payroll and pension administration
- Bookkeeping and management accounts
- Statutory accounts and audit
- Service charge accounts including assurance reports
- Corporate tax compliance
- FCA compliance assistance
- Due diligence
✔ Joined-up, partner-led service
We’re large enough to have specialists in all areas but small enough that you always receive a personalised service and quick answers.
Our team will speak your language and offer jargon-free advice.
In the words of Dale Lattanzio, Co-founder and Managing Partner of DRC Savills Investment Management:
“Over the years a trusted relationship has developed, and I would consider them a valuable extension of DRC’s internal team.
Brebners provide DRC with a comprehensive suite of accountancy services including payroll and pension administration, management accounts, VAT returns and advice, FCA reporting, partnership tax returns, and assistance with the annual year-end statutory accounts and audit process.
Considering the level of expertise, responsiveness, support, and attention to detail that they consistently provide I consider that their fees represent excellent value.
I look forward to continuing to work with Brebners and would have no hesitation recommending their services to others.”
For more testimonials, see Testimonials
Ready to Talk?
If you're looking for accountants for your real estate business who understand your industry, your challenges and your ambitions, our specialist team is here to help.
Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Service charge accounting is a specialist area and it is generally recommended to engage accountants with expertise and understanding of the sector. Where the property is managed by agents who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), the rules of those bodies require members to adhere to a detailed code of practice. The lease may also set out a specific way in which service charges are to be accounted for and who may certify or approve the service charge accounts. Engaging accountants with experience in preparing and certifying compliant service charge accounts helps ensure the requirements of leases and professional codes are met.
An option to tax is a decision made by the owner of a property to charge VAT on income that would otherwise be exempt from VAT. It’s often used in commercial property as it means that VAT can generally be recovered on purchase, development and ongoing costs associated with the property. This can be a helpful cash flow boost as well as a cost saving. If the property has tenants that are VAT registered, they can reclaim the VAT that is charged on rent. Tenants that are not VAT registered, however, might find the VAT-inclusive rent less attractive.
While capital allowances can represent significant tax savings, care must be taken to identify the specific rate of allowance available on different types of assets. Navigating special rates, enhanced capital allowances, the Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) and the available amount of Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) requires in-depth knowledge of capital allowances. Mixed-use properties and previous claims by former owners can add further complexity. Brebners’ tax team can examine your specific scenario and advise on the likely claims that can be made to ensure compliance and maximise savings.
The Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) provides tax relief on qualifying construction and renovation costs for non residential structures and buildings. Relief is given over a fixed period and can apply to commercial and mixed use properties, subject to specific conditions.
For more information and to arrange an initial consultation please contact: