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Private Residence Relief and Its Role in Minimizing Capital Gains Tax for Family-Owned Properties 

Private Residence Relief and Its Role in Minimizing Capital Gains Tax for Family-Owned Properties

For UK property owners selling a home, Private Residence Relief (PRR) is one of the most valuable reliefs available to reduce Capital Gains Tax (CGT). However, PRR can become complex, particularly when family members have lived rent-free in the property. As a Putney-based tax advisor, I often assist clients in South West London in understanding how PRR applies to family-owned properties and ensuring that they maximize their tax reliefs. 

In this blog, we’ll explore PRR eligibility criteria, scenarios where PRR can help reduce CGT, and practical tips to make the most of PRR on family properties. 

Eligibility for PRR When Family Members Occupy the Property

Private Residence Relief is available for individuals selling their main residence. However, if family members have occupied the property rent-free, PRR eligibility becomes more nuanced. Here are key points to consider: 

  1. Main Residence Requirement: PRR only applies to periods when the property was your primary residence. If you moved out and let a family member live there, PRR may only cover the time you used the property as your main home. For homeowners in Putney or South West London considering PRR, documenting the period of primary residence is crucial. 
  2. Mixed Use: If you initially lived in the property and later allowed a family member to live there, PRR applies to the time you used it as your primary residence. The relief can then be prorated to cover only this portion, helping to reduce CGT on family-owned homes. 
  3. Additional Relief for the Last 9 Months: UK tax rules allow for PRR to be claimed for the last 9 months of ownership, regardless of who occupies the property. This can be beneficial if the property sale is delayed or if you’re transitioning between homes. South West London property owners can particularly benefit from this rule in high-demand areas like Putney, where property transactions may take longer. 
Eligibility for PRR When Family Members Occupy the Property

Scenarios Where PRR Can Help Reduce CGT

Understanding Private Residence Relief scenarios is essential for family-owned properties in South West London. Here’s how PRR might apply: 

  1. Entirely Primary Residence: If you lived in the property as your main residence for the entire ownership period, PRR can fully eliminate CGT on the sale, even if you later allowed a family member to live there for a short time. For Putney property owners, this can mean significant tax savings. 
  2. Mixed Use with Family Member: Suppose you lived in the property as your main residence for several years, then moved out and allowed a family member to occupy it rent-free. PRR will apply only to the period it was your primary residence. For example, if you owned the property for 15 years but used it as your main home for the first 10 years, PRR would cover two-thirds of the gain, thereby reducing CGT liability. 
  3. Second Property for Family Use: If the property was never your main residence and was purchased solely for a family member’s rent-free use, it would not qualify for PRR. In this case, CGT would apply to the full gain, as PRR requires the property to have been your primary residence. London-based inheritance tax advisors often emphasize the importance of PRR eligibility to mitigate CGT in such situations. 
Scenarios Where PRR Can Help Reduce CGT

Practical Tips for Maximizing PRR on Family Properties

If you’re looking to reduce CGT on a property sale and want to maximize PRR, here are practical tips, especially valuable for South West London and Putney property owners: 

  1. Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of when the property was your primary residence. For those seeking personal inheritance tax advice in Putney, tracking any changes in use, including periods when a family member occupied the property rent-free, is essential. 
  2. Track Moving Dates: Document the exact dates you moved out to ensure accurate PRR calculations. HMRC often requires evidence, like utility bills or official documents, confirming the address as your primary residence. As a tax advisor near Putney, I encourage clients to maintain clear records to avoid complications. 
  3. Professional Valuation: If the property’s value increased significantly while it was your main residence, a valuation can help determine the gain attributed to the PRR-eligible period, particularly for properties acquired before 1982. Consult a Putney-based tax expert to confirm your valuation approach. 
  4. Consider the Last 9 Months Rule: Before selling a family-occupied property, remember the last 9 months rule. This can simplify calculations, especially if you’re in the process of selling or transitioning. For Putney and South West London homeowners, using this rule can optimize tax savings. 

Related Blog Recommendations

For further guidance on CGT and family properties, check out our blog on Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Family Property: Rent-Free Living Considerations. 

To explore inheritance tax implications of rent-free family arrangements, see our post Do You Need to Charge Rent to Family to Avoid Inheritance Tax?  

Need Help with PRR Calculations in Putney or South West London?

Understanding how Private Residence Relief applies to family-owned properties and calculating CGT can be complex. At Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, we provide tax advisory services for families near Putney to guide you through PRR eligibility, CGT calculations, and inheritance tax planning. Reach out to explore how we can help maximize your tax reliefs, ensuring you benefit from all available options. 

Aurangzaib Chawla

Tax Partner

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About the Author

Aurangzaib Chawla is a UK-based tax advisor and Managing Partner at Lanop Business & Tax Advisors. With nearly two decades of experience, he supports individuals, landlords, and SMEs with proactive tax planning and compliance. Known for simplifying complex tax legislation, Zaib helps clients minimise liabilities while building sustainable, tax-efficient strategies for long-term success.

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Aurangzaib Chawla

At Lanop, I am providing my services as the Managing Partner and Tax Specialist. My expertise includes helping medium and small-scale businesses in their accountancy and legal requirements, business start-up support, strategic review, payroll system review and implementation, VAT and tax compliance to cloud accounting. I am also an expert in financial reporting, identifying and monitoring risks, strategic business development, client retention, market acquisition and deals closure by carefully planning my sales cycle. 

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