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Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell my house?

Private residence relief, the 60-day reporting deadline that catches almost everyone, and what to do when a property was let for part of the time.

What changes for you

  1. Your own home is usually exempt

    Private residence relief covers a property that has been your only or main residence throughout, including the last nine months of ownership even if you had moved out.

  2. Anything else has a 60-day clock

    A UK residential property disposal with tax to pay must be reported and paid within 60 days of completion — separately from, and in addition to, the tax return. Penalties start on day 61.

  3. Part-let means part-relief

    A property that was your home for part of the period and let for the rest gets relief proportionately. Letting relief now only applies where you shared occupation with the tenant.

  4. Property rates are higher

    Residential property gains are charged at 18% and 24%, above the rates for other assets. Transferring a share to a spouse before sale can use a second exempt amount and a second basic-rate band.

The decisions this opens up

Each works on your own figures and shows every option with the workings. Free, and no sign-up.

Dates this puts in your diary

  • 60 days after completionReport and pay CGT on UK residential property
  • 31 January after the tax yearReport the disposal on the tax return as well

Run the numbers

Software that files it for you

Partner links

If you keep your own books, these are the packages that handle Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital.

FreeAgent

4.8
Free optionMTD ready

The freelancer and contractor favourite, free with some bank accounts.

  • Free forever with a NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster or Mettle business account
  • Built-in Self Assessment and MTD for Income Tax filing

From £0 with a NatWest, RBS or Mettle account, otherwise about £19/mo

See FreeAgent

QuickBooks

4.6
MTD ready

The big all-rounder with the deepest MTD track record.

  • Sole Trader plan built specifically for Self Assessment and MTD
  • Snap and store receipts, automatic bank feeds

From about £10/mo, frequent 90% off intro offers

See QuickBooks

Xero

4.5
MTD ready

The scale-up choice once you have staff, stock or VAT.

  • Huge app marketplace and the accountant industry standard
  • Strong for VAT, payroll and multi-user limited companies

From about £15/mo

See Xero

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