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Buying a UK Property From Overseas?
Common questions we are asked:
Can I transfer funds direct from an overseas bank?
Yes, you can. Funds in a property purchase (deposit and completion money) are transferred via the buyer’s solicitor. We can receive money transfers from any bank account in the world in your name (subject to any sanctions restrictions). If you are buying a property in your personal name, we cannot receive funds from your company. The funds must come from an account in your personal name.
What paperwork do you need to see for overseas buyers?
To identify clients we send an electronic link to their phones to upload passports and an address document, and to take a ‘selfie’. Separately, we send a new client questionnaire by email. The questions include how the money has been earned for the purchase, relevant documents you have to support your wealth, and for you to provide a copy of your bank statement showing the funds available.
Do I need to be in the UK for any parts of the process?
We can deal with all aspects of your property purchase in the UK remotely. You do not need to be in the UK at any time. However, we recommend inspecting the Property before exchange of contracts and on the day of completion to check that it remains as you expect.
It is also helpful to collect the keys on the day of completion, to ensure the property is secure and then to deal with changing the names of the gas, electric, council tax and water accounts. We can connect you with companies who provide these services for you, and who look after the property while you are overseas. If you are buying a ‘new build’ property, you should arrange for a snagging inspection approximately two weeks before the completion date.
Do I need a survey?
We recommend that a survey is undertaken before exchange of contracts. Unless you are buying a new build property from a developer, your seller will not be providing any guarantee as to the condition of the Property. Even with new build properties, it is sensible to arrange a survey before exchange of contracts, or before completion to ensure the developer addressed any snagging items identified. We can recommend surveyors to assist you.
Are there any restrictions on owning UK property, for example, do I need a Visa?
There are no restrictions on owning UK property, except individuals must be over 18 years old. You do not need to have any particular passport or visa status. Our immigration and tax teams will be pleased to advise you if you or your family have any plans to stay in the UK beyond short holiday visits.
What taxes are relevant for overseas buyers?
Overseas buyers are principally concerned with three taxes:
- Inheritance Tax: payable on the value of a person’s property and assets when they die.
- Capital Gains Tax: payable on any increase in value of the property when it is sold (less transactional expenses)
- Income Tax: payable on income received from the property if it is being rented.
Separately, all occupiers of UK property must pay council tax, which is an annual charge for municipal services. If you are renting the property, your tenant will be responsible for paying it.
Contact us
Our tax, conveyancing and immigration departments will be pleased to assist with answers to your specific circumstances. Contact: enquiries@quastels.com.
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Balcony Repairs in Leasehold Flats
Who is responsible for repairing the surface of my balcony?
Balcony repairs can cause disputes because a balcony can feel like part of the leasehold flat, but it is also part of the buildings external structure. When something fails (water damage, cracked concrete, damaged floor surface), responsibility for attending to the repair will depend on what the lease says.
Start with the lease
Most leases will distinguish responsibility between:
- The landlord/freeholder – usually the structure and exterior of the building (and common parts), often paid for via the service charge.
- The flat owner – usually the internal parts of the flat and balcony surface finishes.
Look for definitions such as “structure and exterior”, “retained parts” or “maintained property.” That wording is key.
Balcony parts: structure and finishes
A balcony has different layers, and the answer often changes depending on what the repairing issue is:
- Concrete slab/structural platform. This is often treated as part of the building’s structure, so commonly the landlord’s responsibility.
- Waterproofing layer. This can be the grey area. If it is part of the building’s external waterproofing (protecting the building), it may be the landlord’s responsibility. If it is more connected to the balcony finish (for example without tiles or decking installed on top), it may fall on the flat owner depending on the lease wording.
- Tiles, decking, coverings (surface finishes). Leases will usually treat such coverings in a similar way to flooring inside the flat. Maintenance of these items will usually fall to the flat owner.
The balcony is excluded from the demise
A lease can give the flat owner simply a right to use the balcony as part of their demise, with the landlord responsible for structural and external parts. Some leases will have hybrid wording where the balcony is excluded from the demise but where an obligation is placed on the flat owner to maintain the surface area.
Remember too, that a flat owner may be liable for damage caused from breaking terms of the lease. For example allowing plant roots or plant pots to damage the water proofing surface.
Why a surveyor can matter
Even where the lease seems clear, a surveyor can confirm what has failed (slab, waterproofing, or surface finish). That factual point often decides which lease clause applies.
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Quastels Announces New Partner Appointments
Quastels LLP is pleased to announce that Nargiz Abdullayeva is now a partner, and the arrival of Ben Gale and Charlotte Vallins as partners, marking an important step in the continued growth and strengthening of the firm’s real estate and corporate practices.
These appointments reflect Quastels’ ongoing commitment to recognising exceptional talent from within the firm while also attracting highly regarded lawyers who bring depth of experience, strong market reputations and a client-focused approach.
Nargiz Abdullayeva, Residential Real Estate
Nargiz Abdullayeva is now partner following an exceptional career progression at Quastels. She joined the firm’s Residential Real Estate team as a solicitor in 2018 and brings over 10 years’ experience advising on high-value residential transactions for UK and international clients.
Nargiz has played a key role in the development of the firm’s Residential Real Estate practice and leads on Turkish client transactions, combining deep market knowledge with strong commercial insight. In her new role as partner, she will continue to strengthen the firm’s real estate offering, heading Turkish client transactions and supporting clients on complex, cross-border matters. Her promotion reflects both her technical expertise and her significant contribution to the firm’s growth.
Her appointment reflects both her technical expertise and her significant contribution to the firm’s growth.
If you’d like to discuss how Nargiz and her team can assist you in residential real estate matters, whether UK-based or international, please contact her via her email, nabduallyeva@quastels.com or call +44 7799 277084.
Ben Gale, Corporate
Ben Gale has joined Quastels as a partner in the Corporate team, bringing extensive experience advising a broad range of clients, from entrepreneurial businesses to established corporates, on UK and cross-border matters.
His practice covers mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, joint ventures, restructurings and general corporate advisory work. Ben has particular sector expertise in retail, hospitality and leisure, the testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) sector, and the fast-growing online prize draws and competitions (PCD) space.
Ben joins the firm from Irwin Mitchell and is highly regarded for his commercial focus, responsiveness and ability to drive transactions forward under demanding timeframes. He was recently shortlisted for Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the Insider Media South-East Dealmakers Awards, reflecting his strong market standing and dedication to client service.
If you’d like to discuss how Ben and his team can assist you in corporate matters, please contact him via his email, bgale@quastels.com or call +44 7341 590470.
Charlotte Vallins, Commercial Property
Charlotte Vallins has joined Quastels as a partner in the Commercial Property team. Specialising in commercial real estate for private and institutional investors in relation to freehold and leasehold acquisitions, disposals and financings of all complexity, she brings more than 15 years’ experience.
Charlotte joins Quastels from a large regional firm and is known for her proactive, pragmatic and client-focused approach. She is recognised for her attention to detail, clear communication and ability to deliver timely, commercial results. Charlotte is also listed as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500, where she is praised for her professionalism, depth of knowledge and outstanding client service.
Her appointment further strengthens Quastels’ Commercial Property offering and reinforces the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality, commercially focused advice.
If you’d like to discuss how Charlotte and her team can assist you in commercial property matters, whether UK-based or international, please contact her via her email, cvallins@quastels.com, or call +44 7351 590460.
Looking Ahead
The promotion of Nargiz and the appointments of Ben and Charlotte represent an exciting chapter for Quastels as the firm continues to build depth across its core practice areas. Together, they enhance the firm’s ability to support clients with complex, high-value and strategically important matters, both in the UK and internationally.
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