You may have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) tax when you sell or dispose of a property that is not your main home. This includes buy-to-let properties, business premises, land and inherited property.

Your gain is broadly the difference between what you paid for the property and what you sell it for. In some cases such as where the property was gifted or sold below market price you must use market value instead. If your total gains exceed the annual exemption, CGT will be payable.

For UK residential property, CGT is charged at 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers. You can reduce your gain by deducting allowable costs, such as legal fees, estate agent fees and the cost of capital improvements (but not routine maintenance).

You do not usually pay CGT on transfers to a spouse or civil partner, or to a charity. Special rules also apply to jointly owned property, overseas property and disposals from estates. If CGT is due on the sale of UK residential property, you must report and pay it within 60 days of completion. Keeping accurate records and reviewing your position early can help avoid unexpected liabilities and ensure you claim all available reliefs.