Company Purchase Conveyancing Solicitors
Home – company purchase
Conveyancing
what is a company purchase
A company purchase is when property is bought in the name of a limited company or other corporate entity, rather than by an individual. This is common for:
- Buy‑to‑let investments through a limited company.
- Purchasing commercial premises for your own business.
- Buying through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) set up solely for property investment.
Many buyers choose this route because it can:
- Offer potential tax advantages compared to buying personally.
- Keep business and personal finances separate, protecting personal assets.
- Provide a professional investment structure that’s easier to scale.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we understand the complexities of company purchases — from board approvals and lender requirements to tax implications. We guide you through every step so your investment is legally sound and commercially smart.
Buying property through a company isn’t like a standard home purchase — it demands specialist legal expertise. At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we work with corporate buyers, landlords, and investors across England and Wales. Our team will guide you through every stage of your purchase. We ensure your transaction is legally secure, tax‑efficient, and completed without unnecessary delays.
How Company Purchase Conveyancing Differs from a Standard Purchase
Buying through a company isn’t the same as buying as an individual. It comes with extra legal steps, corporate approvals, and lender requirements. At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we ensure every stage is handled correctly so your purchase proceeds smoothly and legally.
Director & Shareholder Involvement
Before a company can purchase a property, a board resolution is often required to approve the transaction. Where shareholders are involved, their formal consent may also be necessary — particularly for high‑value or strategic acquisitions. We prepare and check these authorisations so they meet legal requirements and satisfy your lender.
Lender Requirements
- Higher deposit requirements.
- Evidence of rental income projections for investment properties.
- Additional personal guarantees from directors.
We liaise directly with your lender to meet these requirements and prevent delays.
SDLT and Tax Considerations
Companies pay higher Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on most property purchases, including buy‑to‑let and second properties.
Some tax reliefs may be available for certain commercial acquisitions or transactions — we work with your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you pay the correct amount and claim any relief you’re entitled to.
Compliance & Due Diligence
We carry out thorough company structure checks and verify your details with Companies House.
We also complete identity and anti‑money‑laundering (AML) checks for directors and shareholders, making sure your purchase complies with all legal obligations.
Tilly, Bailey & Irvine
the company purchase
conveyancing process
Buying property through a company involves extra legal checks and approvals compared to a personal purchase. At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we guide you through every stage, managing the legal, financial, and compliance requirements so your acquisition is completed quickly and correctly.
1. Instruction & Company Verification
We start by confirming your company has the authority to purchase:
- Board resolution approving the transaction.
- Companies House checks to confirm company details.
- ID and anti-money-laundering (AML) checks for all directors and shareholders.
This ensures your company meets all legal and lender requirements from the outset.
2. Reviewing The Contract Pack
We carefully review the seller’s contract and title deeds. Our checks confirm ownership, highlight any restrictions, and ensure the property is legally suitable for your intended business use.
Whether that’s investment, commercial operations, or development.
3. Finance & Mortgage Arrangements
If your purchase involves a company mortgage, we work directly with your commercial lender. TBI Conveyancing will:
- Review and meet their legal requirements.
- Coordinate the flow of documents between your lender and our team.
- Ensure funding is ready for completion day to avoid delays.
4. Property Searches and Enquiries
We order all essential searches to protect your investment:
- Local authority searches for planning or building restrictions
- Commercial searches such as environmental and flood-risk reports
We raise enquiries with the seller where anything requires clarification or further action.
5. Exchange of Contracts
Once all legal and financial matters are resolved, we exchange contracts. Your company becomes legally committed to completing the purchase, and we confirm the agreed completion date.
6. Completion
On completion day, we:
- Transfer the purchase funds to the seller's solicitor.
- Confirm legal ownership has transferred to your company.
- Notify you immediately so you can take possession or begin your investment plans.
7. Post Completion
We handle all post-completion requirements:
- Submit the SDLT return and arrange payment.
- Register your company as the legal owner with the Land Registry.
- Update your company records so the asset is correctly recorded.
How Long Does A Company Purchase Take?
Most company property purchases take 8–12 weeks from instruction to completion. If there’s no mortgage and all approvals are in place, it can be quicker. However, additional corporate steps can add time — particularly when:
- Your lender takes longer to issue a mortgage offer.
- Board or shareholder approval is delayed.
- Extra legal checks are needed for complex titles or commercial property.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we work to keep your transaction moving by:
- Liaising directly with lenders to avoid funding bottlenecks.
- Preparing all company paperwork early.
- Chasing third parties regularly to prevent avoidable delays.
Our proactive, business‑aware approach means you get a faster, smoother purchase, helping your company focus on its next opportunity.
Certified Expertise,
Trusted Service
Fixed Fee, Transparent Pricing & Business‑Focused Expertise
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we understand that when your company is purchasing property, clarity on costs and confidence in your legal team are essential. That’s why we combine fixed‑fee transparency with specialist corporate conveyancing expertise.
What's Included in your Fixed Fee?
Reviewing contracts and title deeds. Carrying out standard and, where necessary, commercial property searches.
Preparing and filing your SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) return.
Liaising with your lender, seller’s solicitor, and any other stakeholders.
Registering your company’s ownership with HM Land Registry.
Disbursements & Extra Costs
Some costs are paid to third parties and are not part of our legal fee. These include: Land Registry fees – set by HM Land Registry based on the property price. Bank transfer fees – for securely transferring large sums. Specialist commercial searches – such as environmental, planning, or flood‑risk reports if required.
Our No Hidden Costs - Ever
When we give you a quote, that’s the price you’ll pay for our legal work. No surprise invoices, no unexpected extras.
Get Your Free quote
If you’re considering buying property through your company, the right legal support will save you time, reduce risks, and keep your transaction moving. Our specialist company purchase conveyancing team can guide you from board approval to completion — all for a clear, fixed fee.
Why businesses choose
tbi conveyancing
Business Focused Expertise
We specialise in corporate property transactions, understanding the specific legal, financial, and compliance requirements that come with company purchases.
Trusted & Regulated
We are SRA regulated with decades of conveyancing experience, trusted by corporate landlords, investors, and commercial buyers to get transactions right the first time.
Predictable Fixed Fees
You’ll know your legal costs upfront, making it easier to plan and protect your company’s budget.
Nationwide Service
Although based in the North East, we handle company purchases across England and Wales, working seamlessly with clients, lenders, and agents nationwide.
FAQs
Expert Answers to Your company purchase Queries
Yes — a company can buy a residential property, often for buy‑to‑let investment or as part of a property portfolio.
- Many landlords set up a limited company to hold rental properties for tax planning.
- This can offer potential corporation tax benefits, but also means higher Stamp Duty rates and stricter mortgage rules.
Always seek both legal and tax advice before committing.
Yes — companies buying residential property usually pay higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
- Additional 3% surcharge applies on top of standard rates.
- No £125,000 tax‑free threshold for companies.
- Commercial property purchases have different SDLT rules.
This can significantly increase acquisition costs, so factor it into your budget from the start.
In most cases, yes — all company directors and sometimes shareholders must provide proof of ID and consent for the purchase.
- Your lender will require these checks to comply with Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
- A formal board resolution is often needed to approve the transaction.
An SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) is a limited company created solely to hold property investments.
- Popular for buy‑to‑let landlords building a portfolio.
- Allows you to separate business and personal assets.
- Can simplify tax reporting and mortgage applications.
Whether it’s right for you depends on your investment goals, tax position, and financing plans — speak to your solicitor and accountant before deciding.
Yes — but it’s rarely straightforward and can trigger multiple tax charges.
- You may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax on the transfer.
- Possible Capital Gains Tax liability on any increase in value.
- Lender consent required if the property has a mortgage.
TBI can review the legal implications and coordinate with your tax adviser to ensure you understand the costs before proceeding.