With the government and local authorities under pressure to deliver the manifesto pledge of 1.5 million homes in this parliament, planning reforms are bringing many more sites into scope for potential development.
An upcoming webinar from national audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe will outline the key tax updates and considerations when considering the development potential of a site.
The online event on Thursday 26 February will run from 1100-1200 and speakers will include Adam Cutler, VAT director at Crowe, Jack Power, senior manager in Corporate Tax, and Olivia Larson, VAT manager.
Topics covered will include:
- Call options and release payments: An overview of recent case law and HMRC policy discussions on the tax treatment of call options and payments to release them.
- Overage agreements: Why the tax treatment has historically varied, and HMRC’s 2025 update to its VAT guidance.
- Replacement buildings and land: Key tax considerations when development involves non-monetary considerations, including the construction of replacement buildings or the provision of land.
- Payments to enable development: A review of recent case law and current HMRC policy on rights to light, biodiversity net gain requirements, and Section 106 obligations.
Adam Cutler said: “The government’s planning reforms are bringing many more sites into scope for potential development.
“However, with some requirements still evolving, the challenging current market for housebuilders, and uncertainties on how these changes will impact planning applications in practice, developers and landowners are seeking to share the risks and opportunities.
“In this webinar, we will explore how HMRC’s thinking and case law have evolved in relation to the tax treatment of payments, typically made to reserve sites and facilitate development where there is an uncertain outcome.”
This webinar will be of value to businesses and non-profit organisations with land available for development, commercial developers, housing associations and those organisations that facilitate development.
The event is free and you can register here.
