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US-UK Tax Talk
Welcome to US-UK Tax Talk, brought to you by Collyer Bristow. Hosted by Aidan Grant, a Partner in our Tax & Estate Planning team, this series explores the complex world of cross-border tax and estate planning.
Aidan specialises in advising high-net-worth individuals with UK-US interests, including mixed-domicile marriages, UK-resident US citizens, and beneficiaries of US trusts. Named in Citywealth’s Top 100 Future Leaders, he brings expert insight and practical advice to every episode.
Join us as we engage with leading professionals across the UK and US, covering everything from wills and trusts to charity tax, and moving to the UK. Expect straight-talking discussions on English tax law - always with a US perspective.
Subscribe now and stay informed on the latest in UK-US tax and estate planning. For expert advice tailored to your needs, visit collyerbristow.com.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information contained in this material.
US-UK Tax Talk
How to Purchase UK Property as a Foreign Investor
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In this episode of US-UK Tax Talk, Aidan Grant is joined by Collyer Bristow colleague, Nick Mann, to help listeners understand the UK conveyancing process when buying or selling residential property.
Aidan and Nick walk through the main stages of buying a UK residential property. They cover offers and acceptance, freehold and leasehold ownership, searches and due diligence, and exchange and completion. They discuss why international buyers can find the UK process unfamiliar, particularly because the transaction is not legally binding until exchange.
Come back for new episodes of US-UK Tax Talk released on the first Wednesday of every month.
For questions or feedback, please contact us:
🔗 Aidan Grant – Partner, Collyer Bristow
https://collyerbristow.com/people-listing/aidan-grant/
🔗 Nick Mann – Partner, Collyer Bristow
https://collyerbristow.com/people-listing/nick-mann/
🔗 Collyer Bristow
https://collyerbristow.com/
🎧 Listen on the go
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/us-uk-tax-talk/id1570411216
Key Take Aways
When does a UK property purchase actually become legally binding? An accepted offer is not legally binding in the UK and either party can still withdraw. The transaction only becomes binding at exchange, when contracts are signed, the deposit is paid, and the completion date is agreed.
Why is it important to involve a solicitor early in the process? Early engagement helps identify risks, manage expectations on timing, and flag issues before costs escalate. It also allows buyers to understand restrictions, financing requirements, and whether the property meets their intended use.
What is the practical difference between freehold and leasehold ownership? Freehold typically means owning both the property and the land, with greater control over what you can do with it. Leasehold usually applies to flats and involves a landlord relationship, ongoing costs like service charges, and restrictions on alterations and use.
What does due diligence actually involve for a buyer? The solicitor reviews title documents, raises enquiries, and carries out searches such as local authority and environmental checks. This process highlights risks like planning issues, service charge liabilities, restrictions on use, or potential future costs.
Why can the timing of a transaction be unpredictable? Factors such as property chains, mortgage approvals, search delays, and third-party responses can all affect progress. Buyers can only control their own readiness, so being organised and proactive helps reduce the risk of delays before exchange.
