How do I avoid capital gains tax when selling commercial property UK?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 11, 2026
The only way to escape income tax and capital gains tax (and corporation tax) is to invest through an ISA or self-invested personal pension plan. At present you can invest £7,000 per tax year in an ISA and not pay any income tax or capital gains tax on your investment profits.
How much capital gains tax do I pay on a commercial property?
20%
Private individuals will be taxed at the normal CGT rate of 20% for commercial property and 28% for residential property.
How do you calculate capital gains on sale of commercial property?
To calculate the capital gain on the property, subtract the cost basis from the net proceeds. If it’s a negative number, you have a loss. But if it’s a positive number, you have a gain.
Do I pay capital gains on commercial property?
Tax rates. Basic-rate taxpayers pay 18% on gains they make when selling residential property, while higher and additional-rate taxpayers pay 28%. Commercial property gains at taxed at 10% and 20% for basic and higher/additional rate taxpayers accordingly.
How to avoid capital gains on commercial real estate?
9 Ways to Avoid or Minimize Capital Gains Tax on Selling a Commercial Investment Property 1 1 Deduct Capital Losses. Until exhausted, capital losses offset capital gains. In 2016, your $40,000 capital loss… 2 2 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange. In like-kind property exchange, investors may defer paying capital gains, depreciation… More …
How to reduce capital gains tax on sale of investment?
The rate of Capital Gains Tax you pay is based on the rate of Income Tax you pay in any tax year. Therefore by lowering your taxable income in any one tax year could reduce the CGT rate from 28% to 18% if you are selling residential investment property. Reducing taxable income isn’t always easy.
Are there any tax benefits for selling a commercial property?
Gains on the sale of commercial real estate property owned for more than one year are classified as long-term. Such properties may qualify for significant capital gains tax benefits. Such properties may qualify for significant capital gains tax benefits.
How are capital gains taxed in the UK?
Capital Gains Tax or CGT is a UK tax you pay on a portion of the capital gain you earn from the sale of various chargeable assets. “ Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit when you sell (or ‘dispose of’) something (an ‘asset’) that’s increased in value .”