The acquisition and ownership of UK real estate by non-UK domiciliaries (both UK-resident and non-UK resident) remains topical. The recent political climate has meant that this area of taxation has been especially volatile. The previous coalition government has effected a number of reforms in this area, particularly in relation to stamp duty land tax (SDLT) and capital gains tax (CGT).

Whilst it is clearly impossible to generalise (each scenario must be considered on its own facts and in its own context), for the non-UK domiciliary looking to acquire UK real estate, a number of UK tax issues will potentially be relevant.